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.