Major Snow Storm Hammers New York and Boston

NEW YORK – Weather – A major snow storm and ice storm is impacting winter weary Americans across the eastern seaboard of the United States. The impact on air travellers in Canada, Europe and across the United States is expected to be massive.

Atlanta is getting hit really hard, mostly because like most southern cities, winter is not all that severe.

Only essential Atlanta City workers are being asked to come to work today. Due to inclement weather conditions, City of Atlanta government offices, including Parks and Recreation facilities and Municipal Court, will be closed Thursday, February 13, 2014.

All essential employees are still expected to remain or report to work during normal/emergency business hours. All public safety and storm-related functions will continue emergency operations, including 911 response, police and fire, and public works functions. All essential and emergency personnel should report to work at their scheduled time on Thursday, February 13, 2014.

The major storm is bringing heavy snow and ice  and will impact New York, Boston, and Atlanta.

Power to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses has been knocked out.

Thousands of travellers are impacted as flights, including at the key air hubs in Atlanta and New York are dealing with the winter weather and flight delays and cancellations.

Nearly 800,000 homes and businesses have lost power, mainly in Georgia and North and South Carolina. New York and the North East is now bracing for the storm’s fury.

As the severe winter weather developed Wednesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio urged New Yorkers to exercise caution while outdoors, refrain from unnecessary travel, and use public transit on Thursday. The National Weather Service has forecast 4 to 7 inches of heavy, wet snow for the Thursday morning commute, with a total of 8 to 12 inches of snow likely to accumulate by Friday morning. The New York City Office of Emergency Management issued a Hazardous Travel Advisory earlier this evening.

“Because of its timing and intensity, this storm is going to make both the morning and evening rush hours extremely difficult. If you do not need to drive, you will help yourself and everyone else by staying off the roads. Take mass transit and leave extra time—it will be slow-going for everyone tomorrow,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

This morning for air travellers, the biggest impact is in Washington DC. Flightaware.com is reporting delays of up to two hours.