Ever since Hurricane Sandy hit in 2012, there have been instances where the East Coast has been spared from major storms. A nor’easter steered clear of the coast after forecasters predicted 2-3 feet snowfall totals, and more recently Hurricane Joaquin veered out to sea after threatening the East Coast in October 2015.
On Saturday, January 23, the breaks stopped.
A major blizzard affected the Mid-Atlantic and East Coast regions over the weekend, and the blizzard has brought the entire region to a standstill. A Blizzard Warning was posted by the National Weather Service, and the area covered by the warning ranged from Washington, DC, to New York City. Washington, DC, which was not as prepared for a storm like this as other cities, was hit by the worst of the snowstorm. The combination of strong winds and heavy snowfall led to areas being hit with up to two feet of snow, with snowdrifts measuring anywhere from five to ten feet. New Jersey Transit suspended its service all day, and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio issued a travel ban for New York City. In addition to the major snowfall and blizzard conditions, Coastal Flooding affected the Jersey Shore.
Here is a list of other notable impacts this snowstorm had:
- Scores of SAT Testing Centers were closed throughout New Jersey, including Pingry, Bridgewater-Raritan, and Franklin High Schools. Most make-ups will be administered on Saturday, February 20. However, some make-up dates have yet to be determined.
- The New York Islanders were forced to postpone their game against the Philadelphia Flyers on January 23, which was scheduled to be played at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. A make-up date will be announced as soon as it is determined.
- The Washington Wizards were forced to postpone their game against the Utah Jazz on January 23, which was scheduled to be played at Verizon Center in Washington. A make-up date will be announced as soon as it is determined.
- The Washington Capitals were forced to postpone two games as a result of the snowstorm. Their games scheduled for Friday, January 22 against the Anaheim Ducks and Sunday, January 24 against the Pittsburgh Penguins were both postponed. Make-up dates will be announced as soon as they are determined.
