The first major snowstorm of 2015 is expected to hit the Northeastern United States on Monday and Tuesday.
The National Weather Service describes the storm as a “crippling and potentially historic blizzard” that could bring up to 3 feet of snow, heavy winds, widespread power outages and epic travel difficulties.
Airlines canceled thousands of flights, and government officials across the Northeast urged residents to take heed of the weather warnings and prepare for the storm.
Here’s what’s expected across the region:
New York
New York officials gave a timeline for residents to get home from work ahead of the storm: All public transportation will be shut starting at 11 p.m. ET, and a travel ban on roads in 13 counties — and in the streets of New York City — will go into effect at the same time, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.
“This is a serious situation. If you violate this state order, it’s a possible misdemeanor; it’s fines up to $300,” he said.
At the governor’s request, the New York National Guard put 260 soldiers and airmen on duty to assist in the storm’s response.
Snow will remain light through Monday evening rush hour.
The heaviest snow is likely to fall between 7 p.m. Monday and noon Tuesday, with more than 2 feet possible by Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service said.
The state Department of Transportation warned of travel disruptions and urged people to stay home. The department said it had moved extra equipment downstate to deal with the impending storm.
New York City Public Schools are open Monday, but after-school activities are canceled because of the blizzard. Schools will be closed Tuesday, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said.
City officials restricted parking, suspended garbage collection and told residents to avoid city parks. Falling tree branches could be dangerous, they said.
Getting around the city will be tough Tuesday, too.
“The good news is the sun will come out again, we just don’t know when,” said Cuomo.
‘Don’t underestimate this storm,’ mayor says
Connecticut
Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy has declared a state of emergency and signed an order banning travel after 9 p.m. Monday. Motorists should avoid travel for the duration of the storm.
“People need to take this storm seriously,” he told reporters. “If current predictions are accurate, we will need people to stay off the roads so that emergency personnel and utility crews can get to the places they need to get to, and to make sure that our plows can keep critical roadways clear.”
As many as 120,000 households could lose power and in all likelihood could be without power for several days, Malloy said.
All state colleges are expected to be closed Tuesday.
“I think people are going to use common sense, and certainly we’re encouraging them to do it,” the governor said.
Massachusetts
Snow will remain light into the evening, with the heaviest likely between 4 a.m. Tuesday and early Tuesday evening.
During that time, winds will gust to 50-plus mph, perhaps 70-plus along the Cape.
Massachusetts officials declared a statewide travel ban effective at midnight.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker called the situation “an historic, top-five storm.”
“Driving will be virtually impossible in many areas for extended periods of time,” he said.
The governor activated 500 National Guard troops.
Boston public schools were open Monday, but Mayor Marty Walsh said they will close Tuesday.
Power could be out to thousands for days, officials say.
Despite the blizzard threat, there was a send-off celebration for the Super Bowl-bound New England Patriots on Monday at Boston City Hall Plaza.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf urged residents to get ready ahead of the storm, which started Monday and is forecast to intensify from overnight into midday Tuesday.
Philadelphia public schools dismissed students at noon Monday.
The state Department of Transportation urged motorists to postpone travel where possible.
“If you don’t have to drive, don’t drive,” said Wolf. “Safety is first. Do what you have to do to make sure you’re safe.”
New Jersey
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie declared a state of emergency Monday.
He said crews are standing by to staff 3,700 trucks to salt New Jersey roads and highways.
The state implemented a statewide travel ban, effective at 11:00 p.m. Monday.
“If you do not have to drive, please stay home and stay off the roads,” Christie said.
