The Blizzard of 2018 is exploding off US east coast right now, prompting the National Weather Service to expand Blizzard Warnings. In addition to warnings in New England that were issued earlier today, Blizzard Warnings now include portions of New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware in the Mid Atlantic..
Life-threatening blizzard conditions are expected in the Blizzard Warning areas on Thursday; travel will become impossible and conditions will become extremely dangerous. In the Blizzard Warning areas, winds will gust 40-70mph. Blowing and drifting snow will reduce visibility to near zero; it is in these whiteout conditions people outside can become disoriented. Do not travel in Blizzard Warning areas during the Blizzard Warning times. A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or are occurring. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
Due to the intensity of forecast winds from this blizzard, widespread power outages are expected within the Blizzard Warning areas and beyond. Plan for the worst and hope for the best; make sure you have ample, safe heat should your power failure. Also make sure you have enough supplies if roads become impassable for many days. Heavy snow and deep drifts of snow will take time, sometimes measured in days, to clear.
The National Weather Service has also expanded Winter Storm Warnings along a large area of the east coast. They are in effect from Georgia to Maine and include areas like Philadelphia, New York City, and Hartford.
Away from the coast, the National Weather Service has also issued a slew of Winter Weather Advisories. A Winter Weather Advisory for snow and blowing snow means periods of snow and blowing snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving. But even inland, there is the risk of wind related damage which could knock down tree limbs or even whole trees. Even if not much snow is expected in some areas, the wind will make conditions worse.
