US Snowstorm: Heavy snowfall wreaked havoc in the eastern states of America on Monday. The area from Maryland to Maine was affected, due to which millions of people had to stay in their homes. Traffic came to a standstill and schools and businesses closed amid high winds and blizzard warnings.

Meteorologists said that this was the most powerful storm of a decade. More than 2 feet (60 centimeters) of snow fell in many places in the metropolitan area. Record breaking snowfall occurred at some places. This completely affected the traffic and even the United Nations had to postpone the Security Council meeting. Officials declared a state of emergency. Schools also remained closed in New York City, and the city got its first snow day in six years. People were also facing the problem of power cuts.

Chance of snowfall again

The National Weather Service said that as this snowfall moved north and subsided in some areas, they were keeping an eye on a new storm next week that could bring more snow to the area. The weather service called Monday’s storm a “classic bomb cyclone/nor’easter.” A bomb cyclone occurs when a storm’s pressure drops rapidly within 24 hours. This occurs mainly in autumn and winter, when cold Arctic air collides with warm air from the south.

Meteorologists’ reaction

Although this storm was difficult and dangerous for people, meteorologists were also praising its beauty and power. Owen Shieh, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center in Maryland, said the temperatures were perfect for snow to fall. If it was too hot, it would rain, and if it was too cold, there would be less moisture in the air and less snow would fall.

situation in new york

In Lower Manhattan, there were more snow shovelers than office visitors. People were walking easily on the roads, which are usually full of traffic in the morning. “It’s very quiet, the only sound is the wind. Some residents have gone to get essentials, nothing else,” said Luis Valez, a concierge at a residential tower near Wall Street. Wojtkowiak, 57, a mathematician from Brooklyn, was also clearing snow in his neighborhood. “I’m from the Midwest, so it’s fine for me. Not too hard, not too easy,” he said. He expressed hope that people would come out and enjoy the snow.

Feedback from tourists and locals

Tourists Karen Smith and Adele Bowden, who came to New York from Britain, said, “We danced in the streets in Times Square. We couldn’t believe we could do this.” Ingrid DeVita said she likes to patrol the Lower East Side on skis to help people stuck in the snow.

snowfall record

• 19 inches (48 cm) of snow fell in New York City’s Central Park.
• More than 3 feet (91 centimeters) of snow fell in Warwick, Rhode Island, the most in the country so far this year.
• The highest wind recorded in Nantucket was 83 mph (133 km/h). Hurricane-like winds were seen everywhere in Cape Cod.

Preparation at special places

Employees at the Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut prepare to remove ice from historic ships. These include the 113-foot long whaling ship named Charles W. Morgan of the 19th century American merchant fleet. Shannon McKenzie, vice president of watercraft operations, said machines or metal shovels could cause damage, so snow will be removed by hand with rubber or plastic shovels.

Emergencies and flight cancellations

• New York, Philadelphia and other cities declared states of emergency.
• More than 5,600 flights were canceled on Monday.
• Another 2,000 flights were canceled for Tuesday.
• Around 2,500 flights are facing delays.

Rhode Island’s T.F. Green International Airport temporarily closed all operations. There was 32.8 inches (83.3 cm) of snow, more than the record set in 1978.

Traffic and delivery affected

Public transit was halted in some places, while in New York City DoorDash halted deliveries overnight. Weather experts said that due to strong winds and heavy snow, trees may break and power may remain shut for a long time.

• More than 4,50,000 consumers across the country were in the dark.
• The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said subway lines were mostly running, except in Staten Island, where service was still suspended.
• Trains running on the outer line will run late.
• Bus passengers may have to wait a long time.

Relief efforts for the homeless

Aid workers are trying to get homeless New Yorkers into shelters and heating centers.

Cultural sites and schools

• New York’s Museum of Modern Art and Washington DC’s Arlington National Cemetery remained closed.
• Broadway shows were canceled Sunday night.
• Public schools remained closed in New York City and Boston on Monday.
• Online education took place in Philadelphia.
• Schools on Long Island and the New York suburbs will also be closed Tuesday.

Mayor’s message

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said that classes would resume from Tuesday. He said, “You can hit me with a snow ball.” He also told students to “stay comfortable and stay warm.”

NPS Scheme Emergency Withdrawal: National Pension System or NPS is generally seen as a savings plan for retirement. But even in times of emergency, permission is given to withdraw some money. But some rules have been fixed for this.

First of all, know that partial withdrawal is possible only. When you have contributed to NPS for at least 3 years. If you do not come under this scope, then you will not be able to withdraw money from NPS in emergency. Let us tell you how much maximum money you can withdraw from NPS in an emergency situation.

You can withdraw money in these emergency situations

In case of emergency or special circumstances, you can withdraw some amount from the NPS account. Such as expenses for all serious medical conditions including treatment of yourself, spouse, children or dependent parents, children’s higher education, child’s marriage, or purchase or construction of your first home, you can withdraw money from your NPS account.

How much money can be withdrawn in emergency?

Now this question is coming in the mind of many people that how much money can the account holder withdraw from his NPS account in emergency. So let us tell you that a limit has been set for this. According to which you can withdraw a maximum of 25% of your contribution. This amount is completely tax-free. And transferred directly to your bank account. Provided correct reasons and documents are presented.

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emergency evacuation rules

To withdraw money from your NPS account, you will first have to submit an application at POP/Nodal Office or official portal. It is important to provide proof of the expenses for which you are withdrawing money along with the application. For example, medical bills, admission documents, or a home purchase agreement may have to be presented.

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Keep these things in mind

Let us tell you that you can make emergency withdrawal only maximum 3 times in NPS. And each time you can withdraw only up to 25% of your contribution. Contribution made by the employer is not included in this. If your account is only 3 years old. So permission to withdraw money will be given, not before that.

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