Severe storm leaves millions without power due to winds and torrential rains

• Severe Storm Hits East Coast
• Wind Gusts Exceed 70 mph
• Over 4,000 Flights Delayed

Millions along the East Coast of the United States are dealing with the effects of a powerful storm system that rapidly intensified on Wednesday.

With wind gusts exceeding 70 mph and heavy rainfall, the storm has caused power outages and significant travel delays along the I-95 corridor.

This system, exhibiting characteristics typical of an atmospheric river, began developing in the Ohio Valley before intensifying as it reached the Northeast.

Wind gusts have reached dangerous levels, surpassing hurricane-force winds in higher elevations of Massachusetts, while New York City recorded gusts near 50 mph.

Storm Impacts Millions Along the East Coast

For many areas, the rainfall has been a welcome relief, especially given the drought conditions affecting the region.

Providence, Rhode Island, reported a daily rainfall record of 2.4 inches by Wednesday afternoon, with precipitation continuing.

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However, behind the storm’s frontal boundary, a new wave of Arctic air is moving into the eastern half of the country, bringing dangerously cold nighttime temperatures.

Communities in the Southeast were the first to experience storm-related issues.

Power outages have progressed toward the East Coast, affecting nearly 20,000 households in North Carolina and also impacting Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

While utility companies have not indicated prolonged outages, any interruption is a significant inconvenience given the approaching cold weather.

Airports from Washington D.C. to southern New England are experiencing average delays of one to three hours.

FlightAware.com reported over 4,000 delayed flights and nearly 800 cancellations nationwide.

Travelers Affected by the Storm

Boston’s Logan International Airport and Washington D.C.’s Reagan International Airport are among the hardest hit by these delays.

Amtrak services have also been disrupted due to adverse weather conditions, according to Fox Weather.

Delays in Massachusetts are a direct result of the severe weather impacting the region.

Flood alerts have been issued for millions across the region, as the combination of rainfall and snowmelt poses potential problems for communities in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

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