By DAVE COLLINS (Associated Press)
The Northeast was hit by a significant spring storm that brought heavy snow, rain, and strong winds, resulting in over 680,000 power outages in the area, with a majority occurring in Maine and New Hampshire. A woman was reported to have been killed by a falling tree in a New York City suburb.
Parts of northern New England could see up to two feet of snow by Thursday evening, with wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph (80 to 97 kph) along coastal and inland areas, according to the National Weather Service.
Reports of fallen trees and power lines were widespread across the region. Southern areas experienced mostly rain, causing flooding in some places.
Chris Legro, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Maine, stated that this is the most significant April nor’easter to hit the region since 2020. He mentioned having to take detours on his way to the office due to downed power lines on Thursday morning.
Legro commented, “It's definitely going to be one that people remember for a little while.”
A tree fell on a vehicle in Armonk, New York, on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in the death of a woman who was the only person inside, according to police.
Heavy snow made travel dangerous in the northern parts of New England and New York. A crash led to the closure of Interstate 95 northbound near Lewiston, Maine, on Thursday morning.
Numerous flights at regional airports were canceled or delayed. Many schools and government offices in the northern areas were closed.
The state government in Maine was shut down, causing a special commission investigating the October mass shooting in Lewiston to postpone a scheduled hearing.
Maine Governor Janet Mills advised, “We recommend that you stay off the roads if you can, but if you must travel during the storm, be sure to give plow trucks, utility crews, and emergency first responders plenty of room as they work to keep us safe.”
Utilities in northern New England claimed they were ready for the storm, but power restoration efforts could still take a long time.
“Weather conditions are expected to be hazardous on Thursday, and we urge everyone to use caution on the roads,” said Jon Breed, spokesperson for Central Maine Power.
Boston experienced whipping winds and driving rain. Staff at the New England Aquarium conducted a check of the roof to ensure nothing could blow into the sea lion habitat, which is partly open to the outdoors. The storm took some visitors by surprise.
Claire Saussol, a visitor from France, stated, “I just saw the wind and the rain and I just bought this little poncho to protect myself. I wasn’t prepared with the warm clothes. It’s worse than the north of France! Very worse, but it’s ok. It’s a pretty city.”
Meanwhile, cleanup efforts continued in several states affected by tornadoes and severe weather that resulted in at least three deaths.
Forecasters said heavy, moist snow would persist in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan into Thursday, with 6 to 10 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) overall possible in far-northern Wisconsin, 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) in Madison, but just a small amount in Milwaukee.
Strong weather last week caused power outages for many homes and businesses in different states. Tornadoes hit Oklahoma, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia.
In northeastern Oklahoma on Tuesday, storms unleashed three possible tornadoes and brought heavy rain that led to the death of a 46-year-old homeless woman in Tulsa who was seeking shelter inside a drainage pipe.
In Pennsylvania, an elderly woman died in the Philadelphia suburb of Collegeville on Wednesday when a tree fell on her car, according to officials.
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