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Over 1000 flights cancelled as heavy snowstorm hits Northeastern US

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HARTFORD: Parts of the Northeast US were hit by a snowstorm on Tuesday, causing flight cancellations, slippery roads, and disruptions to school schedules. In New York City, the online learning system for the largest school district experienced technical difficulties, preventing many students from accessing their classes. Over 1,000 flights were cancelled, primarily in the New York City and Boston airports. Accidents were reported across the region, leading some states to ban certain vehicles from highways.
Ricky Smith, a construction worker in New York City, expressed his appreciation for the snow but also hoped for everyone’s safety. The decision to continue with remote learning instead of declaring a snow day received criticism from parents and students, especially due to the problems with the online system. School officials acknowledged the issue and stated that they were working to resolve it.
Chong Bretillon, a parent in Queens, shared her frustration with repeated errors while trying to access a Zoom room for her elementary school student. Many other parents experienced the same problems. New York Mayor Eric Adams defended the choice to switch to remote learning, citing the learning losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The National Weather Service predicted the highest snowfall amounts, up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) or more, in areas from the northern suburbs of New York City to Connecticut, Rhode Island, and southeastern Massachusetts. Strong wind gusts and coastal flooding were also possible along the Massachusetts coast. In response to the storm, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont closed all executive branch office buildings to the public, and state courts were also closed.
Susan Smith, a resident of Columbia, Connecticut, spent the day at home with her three children due to school closures. While she appreciated traditional snow days, she also expressed openness to remote learning on bad weather days. However, she emphasized the importance of preserving the excitement of snow days for children.
In Pennsylvania, the Department of Transportation reduced the speed limit on several interstates in the east-central region due to poor conditions. The Doylestown Township Police Department urged people to stay home unless absolutely necessary, as most roads were snow-covered and slick.
Ahead of the storm, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey instructed non-essential Executive Branch employees to stay home. Boston schools closed, and a parking ban was in effect. Similar measures were implemented in other cities and towns, with emergency officials prepared to maintain clear roads. Homeless shelters in Boston remained open.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee issued an executive order closing state government offices and banning tractor-trailer travel on interstates and state roads starting at midnight. This decision was made in coordination with Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.
Airports in the region advised travelers to check with their airlines for possible cancellations and delays. Power companies were prepared to address potential outages caused by fallen trees and branches on electricity lines. Pennsylvania reported over 145,000 outages, while New York and New England had few outages.
New York City officials stated that, despite the snow predictions, there were no plans to relocate individuals from heated tent shelter complexes built for homeless migrants.
In the South, flood watches were in effect for parts of Alabama and central Georgia, with up to 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) of rain expected. The National Weather Service issued warnings for these areas.


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