Northeast Braces for Winter's Fury as Snowstorm Brings Travel Woes and School Closures

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A powerful winter storm is sweeping across the Northeast, bringing heavy snowfall, strong winds, and treacherous travel conditions. The storm, which made landfall on Tuesday, has already caused widespread disruptions, with schools and government offices closing in several states. In Maine, residents were advised to delay all travel due to snow, with coastal areas seeing significant accumulations. In New Hampshire, the Department of Transportation's 'name-a-plow' competition is underway, with residents encouraged to submit names for the state's fleet of snowplows. The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings and advisories for several states, including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, and New York. The storm is expected to bring up to 10 inches of snow in some areas, with wind and ice also posing a threat. The Midwest, which was recently hit by snow and ice, is seeing conditions improve, but the Northeast is bracing for a significant winter storm. Hundreds of flights were delayed, and numerous accidents were reported, with slippery conditions and poor visibility persisting. In Pennsylvania, crews began treating lanes along the 565-mile Pennsylvania Turnpike system, with vehicle restrictions imposed on many interstates in the eastern half of the state. More than 600 equipment operators and safety workers are available to help clear the turnpike's 2,900 miles of lanes. The snowstorm is expected to continue through the week, with forecasters urging caution due to the slippery conditions and poor visibility. The storm is a result of a weaker system over the central U.S. that strengthened as it neared coastal waters. The National Weather Service's Ashton Robinson Cook said these kinds of storms are uncommon but not 'too far out of the realm of possibility.' The next system could also bring winter weather to the Mid-Atlantic through Friday and Saturday.