Pinoys in US share blizzard experiences

by Don Tagala, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau
12/28/2010

The first blizzard of the winter season pounded the East Coast.

Heavy snowfall, near zero visibility, strong winds and dangerous traveling conditions had 6 states declare state of emergencies including New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, and North Carolina.

Residents and motorists were advised to stay off the streets and stay indoors until the blizzard is over.

“Hindi ka makalabas, pitong patong na ang damit mo malamig pa rin,” said New York resident Eliseo Dimalanta.

Another New Yorker Aurelia Dimalanta commented, “Na-experience ko na super talaga yung snow-storm talaga, masakit sa balat.”

The City Parks in New York declared a “snow day.” Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., children were provided free supervised sledding, snowman building contests and snowball fights in certain locations.

Meanwhile, Jersey City alone received about 15 inches of snow while some parts of the Garden State received as much 22 inches.

Winds from 50 miles per hour to as high as 77 miles per hour have been reported in some areas of New Jersey

More than 1,400 inbound and outbound flights were cancelled at the Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and John F. Kennedy, and La Guardia airports in New York.

Several airlines are said to have waived fees they normally charged for one-time flight changes in affected areas.

In New York, the blizzard has paralyzed most public transportations. Trains, buses, and some subway lines have cancelled most of their trips overnight because of the low visibility and slippery road conditions.

Hundreds also lost electricity due to the blizzard.