Biggest snow, ice storm in years set to impact East Coast businesses

A Nor'easter will develop mid-week, bringing heavy snow, icing, and high winds from the Mid-Atlantic into the Northeast. Snow will develop early Wednesday morning across portions of the Ohio Valley and the Mid-Atlantic by mid-morning and spread into the afternoon and evening hours.

COVID-19 vaccine distribution

The U.S. is currently in the process of distributing millions of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is being transported by ground and air which could be significantly disrupted this week in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Snowfall of this magnitude has the potential to shut down travel and lead to major delays of shipments. Additionally, the vaccine has to be kept at temperatures well below freezing. Any delays caused by weather could cause issues with the vaccine remaining at that super-cold temperature.

Travel impacts

Airport delays are likely to build this week with the greatest impacts expected Wednesday and Thursday. Hubs of the Northeast and mid-Atlantic such as Washington-Dulles, Philadelphia, the three New York airports, and Boston Logan are at the greatest risk. Hundreds if not thousands of flight cancellations are possible.

• Expect ground logistics disruption due to road and interstate closures and downed trees from heavy snow and wind
• Plowing operations may be overwhelmed with snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour
• Temporary COVID-19 response structures will be especially at risk in high winds and when snow load adds weight
• Large-span roofs may also be compromised due to heavy snow load
• Business interruption due to extended power outages can be expected from strong winds combined with ice accumulating on tree branches and power lines
• Be prepared for lengthy closures and take this time to review policies and communicate with employees to confirm your organization handles this storm as best as possible

To help your organization prepare for this nor’easter, our business weather experts will be available to answer your questions at no cost from 1 pm to 5 pm Eastern on Tuesday, December 15.