More than 1,600 flights canceled as blizzard pounds Chicago on way East

[Omaha Steve]

Source: LA Times

By MATT PEARCE

A Blizzard dumped almost a foot of snow on parts of the Midwest on its way to the East Coast, forcing the cancellation of more than 1,600 flights into and out of Chicago on Sunday and cutting off power to tens of thousands.

Winter storm warnings stretched from Nebraska to Maine as the storm churned over the Midwest. Chicago took a direct hit.

The snowstorm is charting a course toward New England, parts of which may see more than a foot of snow Monday - less than a week after a blizzard dumped up to 3 feet across several states, keeping residents in their homes and planes on the ground.

In Chicago, the latest blizzard created dangerous whiteout conditions and upended travel plans for thousands of passengers into and out of O'Hare and Midway airports. Snow kept wheels spinning and residents shoveling, and police in Illinois asked motorists to stay off the roads, if possible.

FULL story at link.



Read more: http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-chicago-blizzard-20150201-story.html

[Earth_First]

1. Just getting started here in WNY...

Spent my afternoon loading salt, calcium and fuel into equipment in preparation.

Local forecasts have us in the 12"-15" range with 30-40 mph winds through Monday afternoon.

Should be napping...gonna be a long 48 hours.

Be safe out there, folks...

[riversedge]

2. "Schools were to be closed Monday from Omaha to Detroit to Boston"

[riversedge]

3. Winter Storm Warning for Ozaukee and Milwaukee Counties, WI

24 HR TVCOVERAGE LAST WEEK WITH NYC AND EAST COAST BLIZZARD. Nary a peep this week when a Blizzard hits the midwest



Active for next 7 hours ·
National Weather Service
This alert has been updated.
Posted 34 minutes ago

Strong winter storm will slowly wind down tonight.

A few of the winter weather headlines have been extended by about 3 hours in recognition of the winds remaining blustery a bit longer. In addition, areas close to Lake Michigan are seeing a lake effect contribution to the snowfall and this will keep conditions in very poor shape for a bit longer. Areas close to the lake could see an additional 2 to 3 inches before the snow tapers off by around midnight.

Northeast winds gusting to 25 to 35 mph are causing widespread blowing and drifting snow, especially in rural areas and near Lake Michigan. Travel is not recommended until morning.

The morning commute should be in better shape as winds will diminish steadily after midnight. We will still see winds of 15 to 25 mph at Sunrise, but then likely only around 10 mph By late morning. The sun should return as well.

Winter Storm Warning now in effect until 3 am CST Monday.


http://www.google.org/publicalerts/alert?aid=78165613897d82a3&hl=en&gl=US&source=web