New York City will be experiencing one of the worst storms in history within the next few hours. Citizens were warned by NYC mayor Bill de Blasio on Sunday.
According to de Blasio, New Yorkers can expect as much as two feet of snow, which can possibly reach up to three feet in the next few hours.
Mayor de Blasio said that the storm, like any other storm, will be unpredictable. While the storm can get slower or faster, bigger or smaller, the local government of New York City will be prepared for the worst, he told the Associated Press on Sunday.
He also warned everyone not to underestimate the upcoming storm and to "focus on safety." The National Weather service called the upcoming blizzard and snowstorm as historic and life-threatening.
"The strong northeast winds will create a storm surge along the coast. Moderate coastal flooding, especially during high tides is possible along the coast from Delaware Bay north all the way to the Maine coast," the National Weather Service Eastern Region HQ posted on their official Facebook page.
According to the same post, "Major coastal flooding is possible along east facing sections of the Massachusetts coast. The strong winds will also create high waves that will likely result in significant beach erosion, as well as splash-over that could result in damage to waterfront structures and closures of shoreline roads."
Airlines have already canceled almost 2,000 flights as of today to ensure public safety.
"We plan to cancel all flights Tuesday at Newark, LaGuardia and JFK, as well as Boston and Philadelphia," United Airlines Spokeswoman Mary Ryan said.
Commutes will be a lot slower too before the storm arrives, according to de Blasio. Everyone should expect delays as everyone in and around the city prepares for the upcoming historic blizzard. But one thing that the NYC mayor reiterated is for everyone to be cautious.
"My message to all New Yorkers is prepare for something worse than we have seen before. Prepare to be safe. Take every precaution. Now is the time to get ready for this extreme weather," de Blasio warned the public.
The winter storm and blizzard will be affecting New Jersey and Maine, and Canada.
