Blowing snow creates large drifts in some areas

By Albert Lea Tribune and Associated Press

A slow-moving winter storm dropped about 5 inches of snow in Albert Lea from Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon, according to preliminary snowfall totals from the National Weather Service.

In some areas the snowfall appeared to be heavier as much of the storm was accompanied by winds, creating drifts across sidewalks and roadways.

The storm was a reminder of Mother Nature’s presence after several weeks of mild winter weather in the area.

It blanketed a large swath of the Plains and Midwest, forcing the cancellation of more than 1,500 flights, making roads treacherous and forcing some people to rethink their plans to attend Super Bowl parties.

The weather system moved slowly eastward overnight through the Ohio Valley into Pennsylvania and western New York state. Then it went into New England, where residents had celebrated the New England Patriots’ Super Bowl victory days after digging out from a massive storm that brought from 1 to 3 feet of snow to some areas.

The snow storm, which had brought 17.5 inches of snow to O’Hare International Airport by early today, was expected to deepen off the southern New England coast, bringing accumulations of 9 to 16 inches to Boston and nearly as much to Hartford, Providence, southern New Hampshire and Vermont.

“For New Englanders, we’re used to this during the winter,” said Matt Doody of the National Weather Service. But he cautioned that both the morning and evening commutes would be messy.

Snowfall totals in New York state were to vary from 6 to 10 inches in Buffalo and Binghamton and 8 to 14 inches in Albany. A winter storm warning is out for more than 20 counties, with up to 16 inches forecast for the eastern Catskill Mountains, and northern and central Taconics. Many Long Island schools have delayed opening or are closed due to a forecast of snow and freezing rain. The storm is expected to dump between 3 to 5 inches of snow north of Long Island Expressway and slightly less to the south.

The Philadelphia area received about an inch of snow before the precipitation changed over to rain. Forecasters expected about 3 to 5 inches to fall in the Lehigh Valley and 5 to 11 inches in northern Pennsylvania.

Northeast Ohio, including Cleveland, could get 4 to 9 inches and Toledo and the northwest part of the state were headed for 3 to 7 inches.

More than 2,300 flights were canceled today with about a seventh of them at Boston’s Logan Airport. On Sunday, more than 2,000 flights were canceled in the Midwest, the vast majority of which were in or out of Chicago’s two airports.

Public officials throughout New England announced parking bans ahead of the storm so crews could keep the roads clear.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said state government was planning a regular work day today but he encouraged commuters to take public transportation.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said the state Department of Transportation had 2,250 trucks, 235 rental trucks and 200 additional trucks on stand-by along with 5,400 equipment operators ready to clear roads.

In New Jersey, non-essential state employees have been told to report as part of a delayed opening, while essential employees were to follow regular schedules.

Amtrak planned to operate a normal schedule but with some modifications. It said it would have extra crews available to remove downed trees or make infrastructure repairs.

In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio said residents should be ready for a snowy and icy commute. The city may get 2 to 4 inches of snow and ice is possible.

The Illinois Department of Transportation dispatched 350 trucks to clear and salt Chicago-area roadways ahead of Monday’s morning rush hour, and the city said late Sunday that it was sending out 150 more pieces of heavy equipment for road work.