Heavy snow, rain, and strong winds: Nearly 7 lakh face power outages in Northeast US – Times of India

NEW DELHI: A significant spring storm unleashed heavy snow, rain, and strong winds across the Northeast on Thursday, causing widespread power outages affecting nearly 700,000 homes and businesses. A woman lost her life in a New York City suburb due to a falling tree.
As the storm swept through, parts of northern New England faced the possibility of up to two feet of snow by Thursday evening, accompanied by powerful wind gusts reaching 50 to 60 mph in coastal and inland areas, as reported by the National Weather Service.Maine and New Hampshire were hardest hit by the outages, with approximately 330,000 and 174,000 affected respectively by mid-Thursday afternoon.
Local authorities attributed the downed trees and power lines to the heavy, wet snow. The number of power outages decreased from over 700,000 to about 670,000 by the afternoon. Meteorologist Stephen Baron described the storm as a classic nor’easter and noted it was a particularly intense event for April, with double-digit snowfall amounts not commonly seen this late in the season.
This storm marked the largest April nor’easter in the region since 2020. Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, saw over a foot of snow, prompting residents without power to seek refuge at The Wolfeboro Inn. General manager Shawn Black highlighted the challenging conditions, emphasizing the heavy, wet snow and strong winds making it uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for those exposed to the elements.
The heavy snowfall made travel hazardous in northern parts of New England and New York, leading to numerous reported accidents. In Maine, a crash on Interstate 95 northbound near Lewiston briefly shut down traffic, while in Windham, a Jeep lost control and collided with a police cruiser, fortunately resulting in no injuries.
In contrast, southern areas of the Northeast experienced mostly heavy rain and high winds. Tragically, a woman lost her life in Westchester County, New York, when a tree fell on her vehicle in Armonk. The storm also prompted the cancellation and delay of dozens of flights at regional airports, along with the closure of many schools and government offices in the affected areas.
Maine Governor Janet Mills urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to exercise caution if they must venture out during the storm, emphasizing the importance of giving space to plow trucks, utility crews, and emergency responders working to ensure public safety.
While utilities in northern New England had prepared for the storm, they warned that power restoration efforts could be prolonged due to the hazardous weather conditions. In Boston, whipping winds and driving rain added to the challenges faced by residents and businesses, with staff at the New England Aquarium taking precautions to secure outdoor areas.
As the storm wreaked havoc across the Northeast, cleanup efforts continued in states impacted by tornadoes and severe weather earlier in the week, which claimed at least three lives. Tornadoes struck Oklahoma, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia, causing fatalities and significant property damage. West Virginia also faced the aftermath of an EF-2 tornado in Hico, while major flooding warnings were issued along the Ohio River.
Approximately 40,000 homes and businesses in West Virginia remained without power, underscoring the widespread impact of the recent severe weather events on communities across the region.