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December 30, 2000 — The storm system which has riveted the attention of meteorologists for the past week is bringing heavy snows to central and northern New Jersey and proceeding up the East Coast, bringing major snowfall to New York City and threatening New England. Strong winds, arctic cold, and serious wind chill will follow closely on the path of this system, according to NOAA's National Weather Service.

(Click image to see latest NOAA weather satellite image of winter storm.)

The storm dropped down from the Upper Midwest depositing 7-10 inches of snow in the Chicago area along the way. It reformed off the Carolina coast early Saturday morning. Snow began early Saturday morning in central New Jersey, as predicted, and is moving up the "urban corridor" stretching from Philadelphia to Boston. The snowfall record for this day in Central Park was broken today, and New England can anticipate major snow accumulation.

Wintry scenes at Center Moriches, New York, (Eastern Long Island),
during the Dec. 30, 2000 snow storm.
(Click NOAA images for larger view.)

Warm air east of the storm track will moderate some of the storm impacts, and possibly mix rain with snow in the Boston area. Seas will be rough, National Weather Service marine forecasters said, with storm force conditions in effect for New England waters with winds reaching 45-55 mph. Maximum wave heights could exceed 22 feet. (Click image for larger view.)

The storm is affecting travel this holiday weekend, which is one of the major travel weekends of the year. Individuals are urged to plan ahead and take precautions. The latest up-to-date weather information can be found on NOAA's weather Web site: http://weather.gov.

The eastern half and deep south area of the United States can expect continued severe cold and wind chill through the coming week. If you plan to be outside, NOAA's National Weather Service cautions you to dress properly to protect against the potentially life threatening impacts of winter weather.

Relevant Web Sites
UPS AND DOWNS MARK YEAR IN WEATHER FOR 2000, NOAA SAYS
FORECASTERS UPDATE WINTER 2000-01 OUTLOOK

2000 IN REVIEW: THE YEAR BEGAN WITH RECORD WARMTH IN THE U.S. AND ENDS WITH COLDER THAN NORMAL TEMPERATURES ACROSS MUCH OF THE COUNTRY
Annual U.S. and Global Temperatures Remain Well above Average

The following National Weather Service Web sites are available to provide up-to-the-minute winter weather information.

Current winter storm watches, warnings and temperatures across the United States

NOAA's Climate Prediction Center — Winter Outlook 2000-2001

National forecasts that extend from three to 14 days in advance

Winter weather safety and preparedness tips to handle snow, ice, wind and bitter cold temperatures

Map showing the latest conditions over the United States

NOAA's Weather Page — includes latest satellite images and weather maps

NOAA's National Weather Service Office of Climate, Water, and Weather Services

NOAA's National Weather Service's Hydrometeorological Prediction Center

NOAA's National Marine Prediction Center

NOAA ISSUES NATION'S OFFICIAL WINTER OUTLOOK — Initial outlook unveiled October 12, 2000

NOAA Weather Radio

Media Contacts:
Curtis Carey, Susan Weaver, NOAA's National Weather Service, (301) 713-0622, Bob Chartuk, NOAA's National Weather Service Eastern Region, (631) 244-0166 or Carmeyia Gillis, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, (301) 763-8000, ext. 7163
(NOAA photos courtesy of Bob Chartuk, NOAA's National Weather Service Eastern Region.)