Destructive mudslides, feet of snow, wind and waves collapsing houses along the shoreline — all part of a powerful storm system that brought impacts coast to coast to close out the first month of the year.
MUST WATCH 👀
Our field crew was on scene as divers and tow trucks pulled a submerged vehicle out of the frigid waters. The truck accidentally drove out over the ice and fell through. We are still awaiting more detials.#CTwx pic.twitter.com/oFFLXiqjga
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) February 1, 2021
We start in California with a tale of two different types of precipitation. While it was much needed moisture for the Golden State, it also brought hazards for days from the mountains to the beaches. Some cities picked up more than a foot of rain, leading to flooding and mudslides. This prompted evacuations and even rescue missions in Monterey County.
A winter storm battering #California triggered floods and mudslides in Monterey County on January 27, as heavy rain was dumped on areas previously hit by wildfires.
Here a horse and pony were rescued after becoming trapped in deep mud in Salinas, California, on Thursday! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/aOYYaMz4FT
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) January 30, 2021
At the same time, mountain snow in the Sierras began coming down at a very fast rate, with final storm totals between six to nine feet. The snow engulfed towns, snarled traffic, and even stranded those brave enough to be out on the roads. From there, the storm system tracked toward the Midwest, with snow amounts measuring more than a foot in some locations from Milwaukee to Chicago to Northwest Indiana.
It was coming down earlier in #Indianapolis #INwx today! 3-4" of snowfall is forecast for the city. pic.twitter.com/7DXPR2oMlF
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) January 31, 2021
The snow set records for Chicago, IL, coming in as the largest snowfall event total in five years with 10.8” observed at Chicago O-Hare.
**RECORDS SMASHED** Check out some of the record snow totals across the Northeast from Monday! Some places doubled or even more than tripled the previous amounts! #pawx #ctwx #njwx #nywx #nyc snow pic.twitter.com/cGYA8PAutQ
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) February 2, 2021
The final leg of its journey — bringing days of ice and snow into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. In the Big Apple, record setting daily snow totals rank this as one of the top 20 biggest snowstorms in recorded history.
Road conditions are terrible across Manhattan, with LOTS of accidents reported. Stay home and follow all local ordinances and closures. #nywx #NYC pic.twitter.com/E60G1sLWfM
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) February 1, 2021
In addition to snow, coastal cities had to brace for strong onshore winds that created large surf, which resulted in coastal flooding and significant beach erosion.
In addition to #snow, coastal flooding is a halmark of any #Nor'Easter.
Stone Harbor, NJ was fighting rising waters in the streets around high tide this morning.#NJwx pic.twitter.com/tWePwSQbfa
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) February 1, 2021
L👀K At This!
The waves were crashing and lashing the shores of Scituate, MA earlier today. You can read more about the coastal impacts of #Noreaster2021 on our website.
Read more: https://t.co/a08KRCD28u pic.twitter.com/5VWko2FO7b
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) February 3, 2021
Homes were damaged and even destroyed with several in Sandwich, MA, collapsing into the ocean.
**STORM DAMAGE** Beach erosion from increased waves earlier this week lead to homes collapsing along the coast in Sandwich, MA. #mawx pic.twitter.com/rrjw0FqUPO
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) February 3, 2021
But while this historic winter storm brought lots of headaches, it also created happiness to those who needed an excuse to get outside and make the most of it.
It's a snow day in New York City! What better thing to do than hit the sledding hills in Central Park. Looks like a lot of fun! #NYWX pic.twitter.com/7Ih5lPwffs
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) February 2, 2021
This included a massive snowball fight in Washington, D.C. to several days of sledding … and even building a snowman in Central Park.
The folks in #WashingtonDC are having a ball…a snowball that is!
A giant snowball fight broke out along the National Mall today.
Who else wants to join in? 🙋🙋#snow #DCwx pic.twitter.com/aSQt2wULFm
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) February 1, 2021
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