PORTLAND, Maine — A sudden shift in weather conditions struck the U.S. East Coast starting Wednesday, as a significant influx of rain, quick snowmelt, and strong wind gusts led to hazardous situations. This weather was fueled by an atmospheric river and the emergence of a powerful bomb cyclone.
Ski resort operators across the Northeast faced challenges as their snow packs were washed away by intense rainfall and unusually warm temperatures, followed by destructive winds—all within the same day. This dramatic storm system extended from Florida up to Maine.
Utility companies prepared for potential power outages, as wind speeds were predicted to reach more than 60 mph (97 kph) until late Wednesday. Isolated severe thunderstorms were possible further south in parts of Florida, while heavy snowfall continued in areas of Michigan along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Meanwhile, a wave of cold temperatures enveloped parts of the Upper Midwest.
Meteorologists explained that an atmospheric river, which is essentially a prolonged band of water vapor capable of transporting moisture from tropical regions to the northern U.S., played a significant role in this weather event. Derek Schroeter, a forecaster with the National Weather Service, indicated that New England was heavily affected as the storm drew moisture from the Atlantic Ocean along the Southeast coast, funneling it up to places like Maine.
The storm’s potential for bombogenesis—a rapid intensification of a cyclone in a short time frame—further complicated matters by increasing the likelihood of severe rainfall. Jen Roberts, co-owner of Onion River Outdoors in Montpelier, Vermont, expressed her disappointment as a stretch of snowfall that had attracted ski enthusiasts was rapidly diminished. “But this is New England,” she remarked, acknowledging the region’s unpredictable weather patterns.
Boston college student Alex Hobbs shared her concerns about potential travel disruptions due to heavy winds and rain, making her hope that her plans to return home to San Francisco wouldn’t be affected.
In New England, the storm kicked off with a combination of freezing rain and fog late Tuesday into early Wednesday, creating perilous travel conditions. A tractor-trailer loaded with oranges skidded off the Maine Turnpike in New Gloucester, and its cargo could not be removed until the following day due to the treacherous road situation.
Warnings were issued in New Hampshire from the Mount Washington Avalanche Center regarding the Presidential Range, which had experienced significant snowfall recently. The center cautioned that heavy rainfall could lead to precarious and unpredictable avalanche risks on steep, snow-covered slopes.
Mount Washington recorded wind gusts of 89 mph (143 kph) at its peak—already famous for its extreme winds. The highest gust recorded in 2023 reached 132 mph (212 kph), and throughout that year, it experienced 145 days with gusts surpassing 73 mph (117 kph).
While the rain posed threats to various areas, it could also help alleviate drought conditions in the region. State environmental officials in Massachusetts had expressed drought concerns just a week prior, particularly on Cape Cod. More severe drought declarations remained in effect for other regions of the state.
Flood watches were issued in Vermont, where Montpelier, which has been plagued by severe floods in the past, warned residents to elevate belongings in basements susceptible to flooding. In Rhode Island, heavy surf and flooding led to the closure of multiple roads in Newport.
Power outages were widespread, with reports indicating over 6,000 residents in Rhode Island had lost power by 6 p.m., alongside additional outages in Massachusetts and Maine.
In Higganum, Connecticut, a group of 13 students and their bus driver had to remain inside their bus while utility and fire crews dealt with downed electrical wires that had fallen on it. After ensuring the area was safe, the students were transferred to another bus to reunite with their families, according to Olivia Drake from the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company. This marked the fire department’s third incident with power lines that day, following reports of a pole fire and a tree leaning on power lines.
Ski resorts in the Northeast prepared for a challenging day of weather on Wednesday. Jamie Cobbett, marketing director at Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire, joked about the unmentionable “r-word,” acknowledging that they would address the conditions overnight in hopes of returning to skiing the following day without issues.
At Sugarbush resort in Vermont, skier Marcus Caston stayed optimistic despite the soggy conditions, noting, “The rain is making the snow nice and soft. It’s super fun. We’re having fun out here.”
