WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A blizzard producing heavy snow and powerful winds pummeled the US mid-Atlantic on Saturday, causing at least two fatalities and paralyzing travel in the region.
Snowfall totals of 20 to 30 inches (51 to 76 cm) are forecast from Virginia to southern New Jersey by Saturday evening when the storm is expected to move out to sea.
Up to 28 inches (71 cm) of snow had fallen by 11 a.m. EST (1600 GMT) in suburban Washington, DC Local weather forecasters said the storm could bring the heaviest snowfall in 90 years to the Washington area. The National Weather Service declared a 24-hour blizzard warning for the Washington-Baltimore region until 10 pm EST Saturday/0300 GMT Sunday.
Winds were strong, especially along the mid-Atlantic coast, with gusts recorded up to 40 mph (64 kph).
Virginia state police reported two people were killed in Virginia when they were struck by a tractor-trailer after stopping to help a stranded motorist.
Most flights were canceled on Saturday at the Washington-Baltimore area’s three main airports and at Philadelphia International Airport. At Dulles Airport outside Washington part of the roof of a jet hangar collapsed under the weight of snow but no one was injured.
Driving in the region was treacherous and authorities advised motorists to stay off the roads.
President Barack Obama had to venture out of the White House to speak at a Democratic National Committee meeting and his motorcade was involved in a minor accident. Obama dubbed the blizzard “Snowmageddon.”
Washington’s Metro train service was operating only underground yesterday and bus service was cancelled. Mayor Adrian Fenty said city workers would be on the job through the weekend in hopes of having the city ready for Monday’s rush hour.
Amtrak canceled a number of trains operating yesterday between New York and Washington and also between Washington and some destinations to the south.