New wave of winter storms in the USA by Penny Tranter
Winter storms have lashed parts of the USA this weekend with the Mid–west bracing itself for a spells of heavy snow.
Strong winds and heavy snow moved through parts of the Northeast yesterday giving accumulations of 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 inches) of snow to Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. The fresh snow caused traffic chaos in the Boston area, while heavy rain gave rise to localised flooding in Philadelphia.
The second winter storm to hit the USA this weekend is expected to develop tonight. This new storm will bring heavy snow to the areas of the central and southern Plains that were affected by the deadly ice storms which hit earlier in the week. Around 36 people lost their lives in the ice storm with around 200,000 homes and businesses still without power from Nebraska to Illinois.
Heavy snowfalls are expected in Colorado and New Mexico, with sleet and snow forecast across Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma. The National Weather Service has issued watches and warnings for the areas. The storm will work its way across the Plains through today and is expected to intensify as it moves into the northeast USA.
