New Jersey Faces Power Outages Amid Early Winter Storm
New Jersey residents are grappling with power outages as an early winter storm blankets the region with significant snowfall. The storm, which arrived following a prolonged period of drought and fire hazards, has brought much-needed moisture but at the cost of disrupted electricity and travel.
As of Friday afternoon, snow totals varied across the Tri-State Area, with High Point, N.J., receiving the highest accumulation of 20 inches. Areas further north, such as Callicoon Center, N.Y., and Monroe, N.Y., reported a foot of snow. Glen Spey, N.Y., saw about six inches, while Port Jervis accumulated 7.4 inches. The snowfall has compounded the challenges in the area, where icy conditions threaten public safety.
In addition to the snow, the storm delivered significant rainfall, with regions like Miller Place on Long Island seeing over three inches of precipitation. This rain has prompted the lifting of the statewide burn ban in New Jersey, which had been imposed due to heightened fire risks from drought conditions. Harrison received 3.08 inches and Norwalk, Conn., recorded 2.70 inches of rain.
Despite the relief provided by this storm, drought conditions remain a concern. Local climate sites continue to report rainfall totals that are approximately seven inches below normal. Reservoirs in upstate regions have received about 1-3 inches, with more precipitation expected into Friday evening. Experts warn that while the recent storm offers temporary respite, ongoing drought issues persist in the Tri-State Area.
Residents should remain alert as utility crews work to restore power and as further weather developments unfold.
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