nor’easter leaves millions in the northeast usa without power and dangerous conditions october...
TRANSCRIPT
NOR’EASTER LEAVES MILLIONS IN THE NORTHEAST
USA WITHOUT POWER AND DANGEROUS CONDITIONS
October 29-31, 2011
Dr. Walter Hays Global Alliance For Disaster Reduction
LOCATION
STORM DUMPS HEAVY SNOW FROM VIRGINIA TO MAINE
• A rare and unusually early and powerful winter storm dumped heavy snow from Virginia to Maine, snapping trees, and knocking out power for at least 3 million people.
• Parts of Massachusetts received as much as 75 cm (30 inches).
BAD NEWS: SNOW COLLECTING ON THE LEAVES CAUSED TREE TO SNAP
SOCIETAL IMPACTS INCLUDED 5 DEATHS
• Governors declare state of emergency in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, and parts of New York.
• More than 3 million (including 2 million in New York) lose power---possibly for days.
DOWNED TREES AND POWER LINES
BAD NEWS: DOWNED POWER LINES; BARRE, MASSACHUSETTS
SOCIETAL IMPACTS INCLUDED 5 DEATHS
• Icy roads caused horrific traffic problems, especially in New York’s Bronx.
• Many schools closed.
ICY ROADS
TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
BAD NEWS: MANY HALOWEEN ACTIVITIES CANCELED BECAUSE OF DANGER
BAD NEWS: The storm disrupted
air and rail travel along the entire east coast, including
cancellation of 1,000 flights to and from the USA.
PASSENGERS TRAPPED ON SNOW-COVERED TARMAC
• Some passengers were trapped on a plane for more than 12 hours.
GOOD NEWS: Two ski resorts in
Vermont were able to open early to take advantage of the early, heavy
snow fall.