January 31 – February 3, 2021 nor'easter

{{Storm path|2021 Groundhog Day nor'easter track.png}}

In late January 2021, an extratropical cyclone developed in the Northeastern Pacific Ocean, to the south of Alaska.{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/archives/web_pages/sfc/sfc_archive_maps.php?arcdate=01/26/2021&selmap=2021012603&maptype=satsfcnps|title=WPC Surface Analysis for 01/26/21 at 03 UTC|work=Weather Prediction Center|date=January 26, 2021|access-date=March 31, 2021}}{{cite report|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/storm_summaries/event_reviews.php?YYYYMMDD=20210129&product=snow|title=Event Review: Western U.S. Atmospheric River Event (1/26 – 1/29)|author=Rich Otto|publisher=Weather Prediction Center|date=February 9, 2021|accessdate=November 6, 2021}} The system subsequently occluded and strengthened, reaching a peak intensity of {{convert|984|mbar|inHg}} at 18:00 UTC on January 26, before gradually weakening, while slowly moving southeastward.{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/archives/web_pages/sfc/sfc_archive_maps.php?arcdate=01/26/2021&selmap=2021012618&maptype=satsfcnps|title=WPC Surface Analysis for 01/26/21 at 18 UTC|work=Weather Prediction Center|date=January 26, 2021|access-date=March 31, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/archives/web_pages/sfc/sfc_archive_maps.php?arcdate=01/27/2021&selmap=2021012715&maptype=satsfcnps|title=WPC Surface Analysis for 01/27/21 at 15 UTC|work=Weather Prediction Center|date=January 27, 2021|access-date=March 31, 2021}} The system drew moisture northeastward from the North Central Pacific towards the West Coast of the United States in a phenomenon known as the Pineapple Express, an atmospheric river known to affect the West Coast of the United States for periods of time during the winter. The main focus of this plume of moisture was directed towards the state of California on January 26, bringing heavy amounts of rain and snow.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/01/26/atmospheric-river-blast-california-heavy-rain-snow/4264011001/|title='Atmospheric river' to blast California with heavy rain, feet of snow|first=Doyle|last=Rice|website=USA TODAY|date=January 26, 2021|access-date=January 31, 2021}} By 15:00 UTC, the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) began issuing storm summary bulletins for the storm, as it was impacting California.{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/storm_summaries/storm1/stormsum_1.html|title=Storm Summary Number 1 for Major West Coast Winter Storm|work=Weather Prediction Center|first=Frank|last=Pereira|date=January 27, 2021|access-date=January 30, 2021}} On January 27, the storm began moving towards the West Coast, with the storm's trough and cold front reaching the coasts of Oregon and Northern California, channeling a large atmospheric river into California in the process,{{cite web|url=https://mashable.com/article/california-storm-atmospheric-river/|title=Vivid images show the powerful cyclone deluging California|author=Mark Kaufman|publisher=Mashable|date=January 27, 2021|access-date=February 2, 2021}} triggering a Category 2 Atmospheric River event for California (based on a scaling system devised by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography that ranks atmospheric river events from 1 to 5).{{cite web|url=https://scripps.ucsd.edu/news/new-scale-characterize-strength-and-impacts-atmospheric-river-storms|title=New Scale to Characterize Strength and Impacts of Atmospheric River Storms|author=Robert Monroe|publisher=Scripps Institute of Oceanography|date=February 5, 2019|accessdate=November 6, 2021}} The low-pressure system responsible slowly moved eastward near the coastline, prolonging impacts until it moved inland early on January 29, in a weakened state.{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/archives/web_pages/sfc/sfc_archive_maps.php?arcdate=01/29/2021&selmap=2021012903&maptype=satsfcnps|title=WPC Surface Analysis for 01/29/21 at 03 UTC|work=Weather Prediction Center|date=January 29, 2021|access-date=January 30, 2021}} During this time, the storm's cold front and the atmospheric river gradually moved southward, reaching Southern California by 00:00 UTC on January 29, increasing the intensity of the precipitation in the southern part of the state. The storm continued moving eastward towards the Rocky Mountains while weakening, and later on January 29, the WPC terminated storm summary bulletins for the storm over the West Coast, as impacts had generally diminished.{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/storm_summaries/storm1/stormsum_3.html|title=Storm Summary Number 3 for Major West Coast Winter Storm|work=Weather Prediction Center|first=Jacob|last=Asherman|date=January 29, 2021|access-date=January 30, 2021}}

File:Jan 30-31 2021 Chicago snowstorm radar loop.gif on January 30–31]]

The remaining energy from the storm, associated with a dip in the jet stream known as a shortwave trough, moved eastward through the mountainous terrain, helping to generate a new surface low in the early morning hours of January 30, over the state of Kansas, which eventually became the dominant low.{{cite report|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/storm_summaries/event_reviews.php?YYYYMMDD=20210202&product=snow|title=Midwest to Northeast Major Winter Storm: (1/30 - 2/2)|website=www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov|author=Josh Weiss|publisher=Weather Prediction Center|date=February 9, 2021|accessdate=March 31, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/archives/web_pages/sfc/sfc_archive_maps.php?arcdate=01/29/2021&selmap=2021013006&maptype=satsfcnps|title=WPC Surface Analysis for 01/30/21 at 06 UTC|work=Weather Prediction Center|date=January 30, 2021|access-date=January 30, 2021}} On January 30, The Weather Channel gave the storm the name Orlena, given its expected impacts. The storm slowly deepened as it moved eastward, with precipitation, initially primarily rain, blossoming over a large area as a result. Snowfall eventually broke out within the northern part of the disturbance on January 30, as it encountered colder air over the Midwest, dropping a swath of {{convert|8–12|in|cm}} across the region. On January 31, with the forecast of the development of a new coastal low expected later that night, the WPC began issuing storm summary bulletins again at 15:00 UTC for the second phase of the winter storm.{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/storm_summaries/storm2/stormsum_1.html|title=Storm Summary Number 1 for Midwest to Northeast Winter Storm|work=Weather Prediction Center|first=Jacob|last=Asherman|date=January 27, 2021|access-date=January 30, 2021}} As wintry precipitation began dissipating over the Midwest and Ohio Valley while expanding into the Mid-Atlantic states, a new area of low pressure began developing over the Carolinas as energy transferred to the coast.{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/archives/web_pages/sfc/sfc_archive_maps.php?arcdate=02/01/2021&selmap=2021020100&maptype=satsfcnps|title=WPC Surface Analysis for 02/01/21 at 00 UTC|work=Weather Prediction Center|date=February 1, 2021|access-date=February 1, 2021}}

This new low-pressure center soon became the dominant low in the storm. Throughout the next day on February 1, the system intensified and evolved into a nor'easter off the East Coast of the United States, as it moved northeastward, with baroclinic forcing increasing, producing intense snowbands occurring as a result – snowfall rates approached {{convert|1–2|in|cm}} an hour within the mesoscale features near the New York City metro area.{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/storm_summaries/storm2/stormsum_2.html|title=Storm Summary Number 2 for Midwest to Northeast Winter Storm|work=Weather Prediction Center|first=Mussie|last=Kebede|date=February 1, 2021|access-date=February 24, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/archives/web_pages/sfc/sfc_archive_maps.php?arcdate=02/01/2021&selmap=2021020118&maptype=satsfcnps|title=WPC Surface Analysis for 02/01/21 at 18 UTC|work=Weather Prediction Center|date=February 1, 2021|access-date=February 1, 2021}} Later that day, the storm stalled off the coast of New Jersey while the central pressure dropped to {{convert|990|mbar|inHg}} by 12:00 UTC on February 2.{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/archives/web_pages/sfc/sfc_archive_maps.php?arcdate=02/02/2021&selmap=2021020212&maptype=satsfcnps|title=WPC Surface Analysis for 02/02/21 at 12 UTC|work=Weather Prediction Center|date=February 2, 2021|access-date=February 2, 2021}} Competing centers of circulation elongated the system while it resumed its northeastward motion. By 12:00 UTC on February 3, the storm reached a secondary peak, at a minimum pressure of {{convert|985|mbar|inHg}}, as it neared Nova Scotia.{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/archives/web_pages/sfc/sfc_archive_maps.php?arcdate=02/03/2021&selmap=2021020312&maptype=satsfcnps|title=WPC Surface Analysis for 02/03/21 at 12 UTC|work=Weather Prediction Center|date=February 3, 2021|access-date=February 4, 2021}} Afterward, the nor'easter gradually began to weaken, as it slowly moved away from the Northeastern United States; consequently, the WPC terminated storm summary bulletins at 10:00 AM EST that day (15:00 UTC), as most of the snow had tapered off in the Mid-Atlantic.{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/storm_summaries/storm2/stormsum_4.html|title=Storm Summary Number 4 for Midwest to Northeast Winter Storm|work=Weather Prediction Center|first=Breanna|last=Zavadoff|date=February 4, 2021|access-date=February 24, 2021}} The storm became increasingly disorganized, with multiple areas of low pressure revolving around a broad center, with the storm briefly developing a tertiary low near the Gulf of Maine.{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/archives/web_pages/sfc/sfc_archive_maps.php?arcdate=02/03/2021&selmap=2021020318&maptype=satsfcnps|title=WPC Surface Analysis for 02/03/21 at 18 UTC|work=Weather Prediction Center|date=February 3, 2021|access-date=March 31, 2021}} Weakening continued as the nor'easter moved over Eastern Canada, with the tertiary low dissipating by 00:00 UTC on February 4.{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/archives/web_pages/sfc/sfc_archive_maps.php?arcdate=02/04/2021&selmap=2021020400&maptype=satsfcnps|title=WPC Surface Analysis for 02/04/21 at 00 UTC|work=Weather Prediction Center|date=February 4, 2021|access-date=February 4, 2021}} On February 4, the older low-pressure center became the dominant low in the storm once again, and the storm split in half, with the newer storm racing eastward across the North Atlantic.{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/archives/web_pages/sfc/sfc_archive_maps.php?arcdate=02/04/2021&selmap=2021020418&maptype=satsfcnps|title=WPC Surface Analysis for 02/04/21 at 18 UTC|work=Weather Prediction Center|date=February 4, 2021|access-date=February 6, 2021}} Over the next day, the storm moved over Newfoundland and turned eastward, while continuing to weaken, before dissipating late on February 5.{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/archives/web_pages/sfc/sfc_archive_maps.php?arcdate=02/05/2021&selmap=2021020515&maptype=satsfcnps|title=WPC Surface Analysis for 02/05/21 at 15 UTC|work=Weather Prediction Center|date=February 5, 2021|access-date=February 6, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/archives/web_pages/sfc/sfc_archive_maps.php?arcdate=02/05/2021&selmap=2021020521&maptype=satsfcnps|title=WPC Surface Analysis for 02/05/21 at 21 UTC|work=Weather Prediction Center|date=February 5, 2021|access-date=February 6, 2021}}

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The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for all areas above {{convert|6,500|ft|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} in Nevada.{{cite web|title=Winter Storm Warning |url=https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=rev&wwa=all |website=National Weather Service |access-date=29 January 2021}} Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak ordered all state offices in Northern Nevada to open 2 hours later than usual.{{cite web |title=UPDATE: Washoe County schools on 2-hour delay Friday morning |url=https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2021/01/28/reno-and-tahoe-battered-more-snow-second-round-storm/4291042001/ |website=Reno Gazette Journal|author=Amy Alonzo|publisher=Reno Gazette |date=January 29, 2021|access-date=29 January 2021}} Across California, numerous flood watches and winter weather alerts, and high wind alerts were issued, in anticipation of the coming impacts from the storm.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/mudslides-flooding-heavy-snow-west-northeast-coldest-air/story?id=75535790|title=More mudslides, flooding and heavy snow West; Northeast could see coldest air in 2 years|author=Max Golembo|publisher=ABC News|date=January 28, 2021|access-date=February 1, 2021}} The California Highway Patrol closed a 75-mile stretch of Interstate 80 due to multiple spinouts.{{cite web |title=Blizzard conditions bury Sierra Nevada in snow as atmospheric river drenches CA's Central Coast |url=https://ktla.com/news/california/blizzard-conditions-bury-sierra-nevada-in-snow-as-atmospheric-river-drenches-cas-central-coast/ |website=KTLA |author=Chris Wolfe|date=January 29, 2021|access-date=January 29, 2021}} A total of eight states in the Western United States had watches and warnings of various types issued ahead of the storm.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency in Illinois urged residents to make preparations for the winter storm on January 29, and to check on neighbors to make sure they received the necessary preparations as well.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/weather/illinois-officials-urge-residents-to-prepare-for-snowstorm-dropping-temps/2424405/|title=Illinois Officials Urge Residents to Prepare for Snowstorm, Dropping Temps|author=|publisher=NBC Chicago|date=January 29, 2021|access-date=January 31, 2021}} The city of Chicago, Illinois and surrounding areas were placed under a Winter Storm Warning on January 29 with expectations of up to {{convert|8-12|in|cm}} of snow. The city also deployed about 300 salt spreaders and snow plows as the winter storm continued throughout the evening of January 30.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/snowstorm-updates-winter-storm-warning-in-effect-officials-advise-preparation/2424868/|title=Snowstorm Updates: Chicago Deploys 300-Plus Plows, More Than 100 Flights Canceled|author=|publisher=NBC Chicago|date=January 31, 2021|access-date=January 31, 2021}} 100 flights out of the city were cancelled. Statewide, the Illinois Department of Transportation had more than 1,800 equipment trucks available at will for the storm.{{Cite web|url=https://abc7chicago.com/10150104/|title=Chicago weather: Winter Storm Warning issued for Saturday, Sunday; 5-9 inches of snow expected LIVE RADAR|first1=Cate|last1=Cauguiran|first2=ABC7 Chicago Digital|last2=Team|date=January 30, 2021|access-date=January 31, 2021|website=ABC7 Chicago}}

In Indiana, a full call out for plow trucks was issued by the Indiana Department of Transportation on January 29 for the northern half of the state.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thepilotnews.com/news/indot-northwest-issues-full-call-out-for-weekend-weather/image_e4503ad6-6274-11eb-9b5a-4fbdacc4c96e.html|title=INDOT Northwest issues full call out for weekend weather|first=Dana|last=Draper|website=The Pilot News|date=January 29, 2021|access-date=January 31, 2021}} The department also called for drivers to drive slower than normal, due to the wintry weather.

Crews within Ohio pretreated roads on January 30, as much of the central parts of the state were placed under Winter Storm Warnings, with up to {{convert|8|in|cm}} of snow expected.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/odot-columbus-prep-for-up-to-7-inches-of-snow-on-central-ohio-roads/|title=ODOT, Columbus prep for up to 7 inches of snow on central Ohio roads|author=Kenya Ramirez|publisher=Nbc4i|date=January 30, 2021|access-date=January 31, 2021}}

File:Orlena snowfall forecast I-95.jpg

Amtrak operated a modified schedule in the Northeast on February 1, with the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and Empire Service running on a limited schedule and the Acela and Pennsylvanian cancelled. At 3 p.m. on February 1, service was suspended between New York City and Boston and between New York City and Albany. On February 2, Amtrak will operate modified service on the Acela, Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and Empire Service routes.{{cite news|title=Winter storm forces service changes, suspensions on NJ Transit, Amtrak, SEPTA|publisher=WPVI-TV|location=Philadelphia, PA|date=January 31, 2021|url=https://6abc.com/travel/winter-storm-forces-service-changes-on-nj-transit-amtrak-septa/10193883/|access-date=January 31, 2021}}

In Pennsylvania, Governor Tom Wolf issued a disaster emergency due to the storm.{{cite news|author=Staff|title=Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf issues disaster emergency due to winter storm|publisher=WPVI-TV|location=Philadelphia, PA|date=February 1, 2021|url=https://6abc.com/weather/gov-wolf-issues-disaster-emergency-due-to-winter-storm-/10227623/|access-date=February 1, 2021}} The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation enacted restrictions on the speed limit on several interstates and highways on January 31 within the Susquehanna Valley, including I-81, I-83, I-283, and I-78.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wgal.com/article/penndot-reduces-speed-limits-on-major-roads-in-the-susquehanna-valley/35374250|title=PennDOT reduces speed limits on major roads in the Susquehanna Valley|date=January 31, 2021|access-date=January 31, 2021|website=WGAL}} Speed limits were also reduced on highways in the Philadelphia area including I-76, I-95, I-295, I-476, I-676, US 1, US 30, US 202, US 422, PA 63, PA 100, and PA 309.{{cite news|title=Travel restrictions in New Jersey, Pennsylvania due to winter storm|publisher=WPVI-TV|location=Philadelphia, PA|date=January 31, 2021|url=https://6abc.com/weather/travel-restrictions-in-nj-pa-due-to-winter-storm/10191062/|access-date=January 31, 2021}} Commercial vehicle and speed restrictions were implemented on several highways in northeastern Pennsylvania including all or part of I-78, I-80, I-84, I-380, I-476, US 22, and PA 33.{{cite news|title=Updated: PennDOT issues travel restrictions for winter storm|publisher=WFMZ-TV|location=Allentown, PA|date=February 1, 2021|url=https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/pennsylvania/updated-penndot-issues-travel-restrictions-for-winter-storm/article_9133e2e8-63d3-11eb-b9e6-47bdf5a048cb.html|access-date=February 1, 2021}} A snow emergency went into effect for the city of Philadelphia on January 31. City offices were closed and trash and recycling collection were suspended on February 1.{{cite news|title=City of Philadelphia announces snow emergency ahead of winter storm|publisher=WPVI-TV|location=Philadelphia, PA|date=January 31, 2021|url=https://6abc.com/weather/snow-emergency-in-effect-in-philadelphia/10192171/|access-date=January 31, 2021}} In the cities of Levittown and Bristol Township, city officials declared a snow emergency starting at 6 p.m. on January 31 and effective for 36 hours.{{Cite web|url=https://patch.com/pennsylvania/levittown/levittown-area-prepares-winter-storm|title=Levittown Area Prepares For Winter Storm|website=Patch.com|author=Doug Gross|publisher=Levittown, PA Patch|location=Levittown, Pennsylvania|date=January 31, 2021|access-date=January 31, 2021}} Several cities within the state began readying salt spreaders and snow plowers the day before as well.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wpxi.com/news/top-stories/road-crews-getting-ready-snow-wintry-mix-closing-western-pennsylvania/ROXRZXN26VBSZATBK2P7HTLC44/|title=Road crews ready for snow, wintry mix moves into western Pennsylvania|first=WPXI com News|last=Staff|website=WPXI|date=January 30, 2021|access-date=January 31, 2021}} In Reading, BARTA bus service was suspended on February 1 and February 2, due to the storm.{{cite news|title=Snow to keep BARTA buses idled again on Tuesday|publisher=WFMZ-TV|location=Allentown, PA|date=February 1, 2021|url=https://www.wfmz.com/_homepage_top_stories/winter-storm-keeps-barta-buses-in-berks-idled-monday/article_366e6dee-649e-11eb-b38d-b748381f651f.html|access-date=February 1, 2021}}

Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey declared a state of emergency for the state on January 31, as New Jersey was expected to bear the brunt of the nor'easter, with up to {{convert|1-2|ft|in cm}} of snow being expected across a large majority of the state.{{cite web|url=https://abc7ny.com/snow-new-jersey-nj-state-of-emergency-storm-noreaster/10188236/|title=New Jersey declares state of emergency, suspends NJ Transit service|website=abc7ny.com|author=|publisher=ABC, Inc.|date=January 31, 2021|access-date=January 31, 2021}} Civil offices would also be closed for the following day. Murphy also stated that all New Jersey Transit forms of transportation would be suspended systemwide during the day, with the exception of the Atlantic City Line.{{cite web|url=https://abc7ny.com/traffic/mta-unveils-travel-plans-for-impending-winter-storm/10189778/|title=Winter Storm: Mass transit and travel information for the Tri-State|website=abc7ny.com|author=|publisher=ABC, Inc.|date=January 31, 2021|access-date=January 31, 2021}} AirTrain Newark service was also suspended, with free shuttle bus service provided until Newark Liberty International Airport was shut down by 3 p.m.[https://www.audacy.com/wcbs880/news/local/most-flights-canceled-at-nyc-area-airports-due-to-snowstorm Airlines cancel all commercial flights at LaGuardia, JFK and Newark airports due to winter storm], Audacy, February 1, 2021 The New York City Subway suspended all outdoor subway service for the first time since the January 2016 United States blizzard, truncating numerous lines.[https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/01/us/nyc-mta-subway-trains-shut-down-snow-storm.html Outdoor subway service in New York will resume on Tuesday morning], New York Times, February 1, 2021 All six COVID-19 vaccine mega-sites were also closed for February 1, with appointments to be rescheduled. The New Jersey Department of Transportation enacted travel restrictions due to the storm, focusing on many major interstate highways, including I-95, I-80 and I-78. The state also activated roughly 3,000 plows and salt spreaders to clear snow off of major highways. Utility companies also pledged their readiness to handle and restore power outages caused by the storm.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}}

In New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo ordered state agencies to mobilize emergency response resources on January 31.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/31/weather/noreaster-winter-storm-snow-washington-dc-new-york/index.html|title=Powerful nor'easter nears East Coast and could bring up to 18 inches of snow to New York City|website=CNN|author=Derek Van Dam|publisher=Cable News Network|date=February 1, 2021|access-date=February 1, 2021}} He also urged residents to keep an eye on updates regarding the storm and to not travel. Travel restrictions were implemented on the New York State Thruway effective early on February 1. Mayor Bill de Blasio declared a state of emergency for New York City and ordered all schools to switch to online learning the following day.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/breaking-news/2021/01/31/snowstorm-cancels-in-person-classes-and-vaccine-appointments--de-blasio-announces-|title=Ahead of Winter Storm, Mayor Issues Local Emergency Travel Restrictions|website=www.ny1.com|author1=Patrick Adcroft|author2=Shannon Caturano|publisher=Spectrum News NY1|date=February 1, 2021|access-date=February 1, 2021}} COVID-19 vaccine sites were closed as well. The nor'easter also forced outdoor dining to be cancelled. More than 2,000 plows were said to be ready to deploy, with 300,000 pounds of de-icing materials available to use.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}

The NYMTA in New York City grounded their articulated buses from January 31 to February 2.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} Nassau Inter-County Express buses were suspended at 1pm on February 1.[https://patch.com/new-york/glencove/nice-bus-suspended-starting-1-p-m-due-winter-storm-orlena NICE Bus Suspended Starting At 1 p.m. Due To Nor'easter], Patch, February 1, 2021

File:Snow February 2021 nor'easter Lexington, MA.jpg on February 2]]

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh declared a snow emergency the day before the storm on January 31, as Winter Storm Warnings were issued in the area. Snowfall totals were expected to be {{convert|6-12|in|cm}} in the Boston area, with locally higher totals. Boston Public Schools were to be remote on February 1 and 2, and numerous school districts in the area either were to have an early dismissal or fully remote learning on February 1. Worcester, Massachusetts also announced a parking ban on February 1, because of the nor'easter. The state of Massachusetts also deployed nearly 4,000 snow removal vehicles and other services to pre-treat the roads in Massachusetts before and during the storm.{{cite tweet|user=MassGovernor|author=Charlie Baker|date=February 1, 2021|accessdate=February 1, 2021|url=https://twitter.com/MassGovernor/status/1356073131413278725|title=➡️ We're urging residents to stay off the roadways and avoid travel if possible. If you must go out, allow plenty of extra time and consider public transportation.➡️ @MassDOT has approximately 3,900 pieces of state and vendor equipment available to clear the roads. #MAsnow❄️|number=1356073131413278725}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.boston25news.com/weather/live-winter-storm-updates-boston-declares-snow-emergency-bps-go-remote-monday-tuesday/H7YTDQNNK5HM5JZ5NYKWI7CYKQ/|title=Live winter storm updates: Boston declares snow emergency, BPS to go remote Monday & Tuesday|first=Boston 25 News|last=Staff|website=WFXT|date=February 1, 2021|access-date=February 1, 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcboston.com/weather/stories-weather/as-noreaster-nears-more-snow-is-expected-blizzard-like-conditions-are-possible/2289591/|title=As Nor'easter Nears, More Snow Is Expected, Blizzard-Like Conditions Are Possible|author1=Chris Gloninger|author2=Kaitlin McKinley Becker|author3=Mike Manzoni|publisher=NBC Boston|date=February 1, 2021|access-date=February 1, 2021}}

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File:January 27 west coast storm complex.jpg geostationary imagery of the winter storm impacting the West Coast on January 27]]

The storm had significant impacts in California from January 27 to 30, only a day after a previous winter storm had brought heavy rain and powerful winds to the same region.{{cite report|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/storm_summaries/event_reviews.php?YYYYMMDD=20210125&product=snow|title=Event Review: Southwest to Midwest Winter Storm: (1/24 - 1/26)|author=Peter Mullinax|publisher=Weather Prediction Center|date=February 9, 2021|accessdate=November 6, 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://www.sbsun.com/2021/01/24/new-storm-to-deliver-more-snow-rain-and-wind-to-southern-california/|title=New storm to deliver more snow, rain and wind to Southern California|author=Eric Licas|website=sbsun.com|publisher=Southern California News Group|date=January 25, 2021|accessdate=November 6, 2021}} One person was injured in one of the mudslides in Northern California, and many structures suffered damage.{{cite web |title=One woman injured, 25 structures damaged as powerful winter storm unleashes mudslides in parts of Northern California |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/28/us/california-storm-damage/index.html |website=CNN |author=Sarah Moon|publisher=Cable News Network |date=January 29, 2021|access-date=January 29, 2021}} The storm is blamed for the deaths of at least two people in California, with one victim having died in a flooded storm drain system near a Mexican border crossing, and the other victim being a skier who was found upside down in deep snow at Mammoth Mountain.{{Cite web|last=Iyer|first=Kaanita|title=20 states brace for winter weather as storm blamed for 2 deaths moves across the nation|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/01/30/washington-dc-nyc-boston-brace-snow-noreaster/4322817001/|website=USA TODAY|language=en-US|date=January 30, 2021|access-date=February 2, 2021}}{{Cite web|last=Elizalde|first=Elizabeth|title=At least two dead after winter storm rips through California|url=https://nypost.com/2021/01/30/two-dead-after-winter-storm-rips-through-california/|website=New York Post|language=en-US|date=January 30, 2021|access-date=February 2, 2021}} A significant length of California State Route 1 along the Big Sur collapsed into the ocean after massive amounts of rain fell, causing a debris flow onto the highway, which in turn triggered the collapse.{{Cite web|last=Andone|first=Dakin|title=A huge piece of California's Highway 1 near Big Sur collapsed into the ocean|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/30/us/big-sur-road-collapse-trnd/index.html|website=CNN|publisher=Cable News Network|date=January 30, 2021|access-date=February 1, 2021}} In Southern California, the storm triggered widespread flooding and debris flows, forcing the evacuations of thousands of people and also causing widespread property damage. Residential areas near the burn scars of wildfires from the previous year were especially at risk for flooding and mudflows.{{cite web|url=https://weather.com/news/news/2021-01-28-california-atmospheric-river-storm-mudflows-flooding-impacts|title=Homes Flooded, Highway Washed Out in California|website=weather.com|author1=Ron Brackett|author2=Jan Wesner Childs|publisher=The Weather Company|date=January 29, 2021|access-date=February 1, 2021}} Salinas received {{convert|4|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rainfall for the entire event causing mudflows that caused 7,000 people to evacuate. Across the State of California, the storm knocked out power to an estimated 575,000 people at one point, according to power outage tracking maps and PG&E.{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/forecast/regional/news/2021-01-25-california-forecast-atmospheric-river-debris-flows-flooding-snow|title=California Atmospheric River Triggered Flooding, Debris Flows and Feet of Sierra Snow|website=weather.com|publisher=The Weather Company|date=January 29, 2021|access-date=January 31, 2021}} In the mountainous parts of the state, the winter storm dropped tremendous amounts of heavy snow, with Mammoth Mountain Ski Area receiving {{convert|94|in|cm|abbr=on}} within 72 hours, and a total of {{convert|107|in|cm|abbr=on}} of snowfall for the entire event.{{cite tweet|user=TomNizioli|author=Tom Nizioli|date=January 29, 2021|accessdate=January 31, 2021|url=https://twitter.com/TomNiziol/status/1355178424818659330|title=Impressive #snow reports coming from Mammoth Ski Resort this morning. 94" at the base and 107" at the summit !!|number=1355178424818659330}} Blizzard conditions were also recorded on parts of the Sierra Nevada. Very high wind gusts were also observed, with gusts over {{convert|100|mph|abbr=on}} observed at Alpine Meadows, peaking at {{convert|126|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{cite tweet|user=NWSSacramento|author=NWS Sacramento|date=January 27, 2021|accessdate=January 31, 2021|url=https://twitter.com/NWSSacramento/status/1354428956481613825|title=Here are the peak wind gusts observed across interior #NorCal over the past 24 hours. #CAwx|number=1354428956481613825}} Heavy snowfall at Yosemite National Park forced the entire park to close for days.[https://www.nbcbayarea.com/weather/yosemite-national-park-to-remain-closed-due-to-ongoing-storm/2453492/ Yosemite National Park to Remain Closed Due to Ongoing Storm], NBC Bay Area, January 28, 2021 The flooding in California was estimated to have caused over $1.75 billion (2021 USD) in damages.

Ahead of the storm's arrival, winter-related watches and warnings were issued for portions of the Midwest into the northern Ohio Valley.{{Cite web|title=Winter Storm Orlena to Hammer Midwest, Including Chicago, This Weekend, Then Become a Nor'easter Early Next Week|url=https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2021-01-25-weekend-early-feb-snow-midwest-northeast|website=weather.com|author=Jonathan Erdman|publisher=The Weather Company|date=January 30, 2021|accessdate=February 1, 2021|language=en-US}} The storm produced 10.8 and 11.3 inches of snow (27.43 and 28.7 cm) at O'Hare and Midway airports, respectively.{{Cite web|last=US Department of Commerce|first=NOAA|title=January 30-31, 2021: Significant Snowfall Event for Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana|url=https://www.weather.gov/lot/2021jan3031_snow|website=www.weather.gov|publisher=NOAA|date=January 31, 2021|access-date=February 1, 2021|language=EN-US}} The largest snowfall total associated with this phase of the storm was {{convert|13.5|in|cm}} in Racine, Wisconsin.{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2021-01-30-winter-storm-orlena-forecast-northeast-midwest|title=Winter Storm Orlena Hammers the Northeast With Heavy Snow, Strong Winds, Coastal Flooding|website=weather.com|author=|publisher=The Weather Company|language=en-US|date=February 1, 2021|access-date=February 1, 2021}} In Chicago, the system became the largest snowstorm in 5 years.

File:Snowstorm2021.webm

In Virginia, state police responded to at least 270 crashes and almost as many vehicles stuck on January 31, and four firefighters were injured after a spin-out in Richmond.{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/news/news/2021-01-31-snow-winter-storm-orlena-chicago-washington-baltimore|title=New Jersey, Philadelphia Declare Emergencies; Hundreds of Crashes Reported as Winter Storm Orlena Moves East|website=The Weather Channel|author=Jan Wesner Childs|date=January 31, 2021|access-date=February 1, 2021}}{{cite tweet|user=VSPPIO|author=VA State Police|date=January 31, 2021|accessdate=January 31, 2021|url=https://twitter.com/VSPPIO/status/1355957211395141640|title=#winterstormorlena is keeping #Virginia's Dispatchers busy. Since midnight, #VSP Dispatchers have fielded calls for approx. 270 traffic crashes & 240 stuck vehicles statewide. So our #Fairfax Comms Ctr appreciated Bernie stopping by this AM to lend a mittened hand.😁#berniememes|number=1355957211395141640}} In Maryland, police responded to at least 70 crashes and dozens of calls.

Washington, D.C. received its first one-inch snowfall total since February 20, 2019, with {{convert|1.4|in|cm}} (as of the afternoon of January 31) measured at the Reagan National Airport. The storm brought {{convert|7.7|in|cm}} of snow to Philadelphia, causing delays and cancellations of flights at Philadelphia International Airport.{{cite news|author=Staff|title=How much snow has fallen in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware|publisher=WPVI-TV|location=Philadelphia, PA|date=February 2, 2021|url=https://6abc.com/weather/snowfall-totals-how-much-snow-has-fallen-across-the-area/10248024/|access-date=February 2, 2021}}{{cite news|last1=Thomas|first1=TaRhonda|last2=Lee|first2=Jaclyn|title=Winter storm blankets Philadelphia in snow; students to learn virtually Tuesday|publisher=WPVI-TV|location=Philadelphia, PA|date=February 1, 2021|url=https://6abc.com/weather/snow-blankets-philly;-students-to-learn-virtually-tuesday/10219304/|access-date=February 1, 2021}} In Allentown, Pennsylvania, an elderly woman with Alzheimer's disease was found dead on February 1, after wandering outside of her house and freezing due to hypothermia. In Tioga County, Pennsylvania, a 42-year-old woman died in a crash, while a 69-year-old man died from crashing due to slick conditions in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. In Adamstown, Maryland, a 64-year-old man died after a recycling services truck he was riding on overturned due to an icy roadway. The Maryland State Police responded to 330 crashes, 146 disabled or unattended vehicles and 891 calls for service between 8 a.m. EST Sunday and 5 a.m. EST Monday.{{Cite web|title=Winter Storm Orlena Severely Impacts Travel Across Northeast; Vaccination Sites Shut Down {{!}} The Weather Channel - Articles from The Weather Channel {{!}} weather.com|url=https://weather.com/news/news/2021-02-01-northeast-winter-storm-impacts-flights-schools-roadways|access-date=2021-02-04|website=The Weather Channel|language=en-US}} Maryland received {{convert|20.5|in|cm}} at most from this nor'easter.{{Cite web|title=Winter Storm Orlena Hammered the Sierra, Midwest and Northeast With Heavy Snow (RECAP)|url=https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2021-01-30-winter-storm-orlena-forecast-northeast-midwest|website=The Weather Channel|author=|publisher=The Weather Company|date=February 3, 2021|accessdate=February 8, 2021|language=en-US}} The National Weather Service reported a total of {{convert|27.3|in|cm}} of snow at Lehigh Valley International Airport.{{cite web|url=https://www.inquirer.com/wires/ap/winter-storm-hits-pennsylvania-with-snow-strong-winds-20210201.html|title=Woman found dead as winter storm brings snow, strong winds|author=|work=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=February 1, 2021|access-date=February 1, 2021}}{{Dead link|date=October 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

A man in Bergen County, New Jersey was killed after his vehicle caught fire. Police reported that he continuously revved his SUV's engine in an attempt to get it out of a snowbank, when the engine caught fire. On February 1, New Jersey state police reported that they had responded to over 660 vehicle crashes and over 1,000 motorist aids within the past day.{{cite web|url=https://www.kten.com/story/43273922/deadly-storm-that-dumped-feet-of-snow-across-the-northeast-takes-aim-at-northern-new-england|title=Deadly storm that dumped feet of snow across the Northeast takes aim at northern New England|author=|publisher=Kten|date=February 5, 2021|accessdate=February 5, 2021|archive-date=February 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202220535/https://www.kten.com/story/43273922/deadly-storm-that-dumped-feet-of-snow-across-the-northeast-takes-aim-at-northern-new-england|url-status=dead}} New Jersey Route 35 through Belmar was closed due to flooding.[https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/jersey-shore-flooding-winter-storm-belmar-noreaster/ Winter Storm: Fears Of Flooding Hit Jersey Shore As Residents Experience Rare Significant Snowfall], CBS News, February 1, 2021 The highest recorded snowfall in New Jersey was {{convert|35.5|in|cm}} in Mount Arlington, nearly breaking a record total from one event in the entire state.

Areas near New York City reported double-digit snowfall totals by the morning of February 1, with snowfall rates consistently over {{convert|1|in|cm}} per hour. Blizzard conditions were reported unofficially in Islip, New York, on Long Island, and later confirmed by the National Weather Service.{{cite tweet|user=NWSNewYorkNY|author=NWS New York NY|date=February 1, 2021|accessdate=February 1, 2021|url=https://twitter.com/NWSNewYorkNY/status/1356308479871307776|title=As of the 18Z observation (1PM), NYC at Central Park has reported a storm total snowfall of 13.3" (8" in the last 6 hours) and it is still snowing. #NYwx #CTwx #NJwx|number=1356308479871307776}}{{Failed verification|date=December 2023}} Central Park saw its biggest snowfall since the January 2016 United States blizzard. Coastal flooding and storm surge was observed along the Jersey Shore and Long Island as well. Most flights were cancelled due to the snowstorm at all airports in and near New York City.{{cite web|url=https://www.radio.com/wcbs880/news/local/most-flights-canceled-at-nyc-area-airports-due-to-snowstorm|title=Airlines cancel all commercial flights at LaGuardia, JFK and Newark airports due to winter storm|author=Marta Zielinska|website=Radio.com|publisher=WCBS Newsradio 880|date=February 1, 2021|access-date=February 1, 2021}} A New York Islanders game against the Buffalo Sabres was postponed.[https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/nhl-postpones-islanders-sabres-game-due-to-weather-devils-games-due-to-covid-19/ NHL postpones Islanders-Sabres game due to weather, Devils games due to COVID-19], DailyFaceoff, February 2, 2021 In the Northeastern United States, the nor'easter was estimated to have caused over $100 million (2021 USD) in damages.

While areas near downtown Boston reported only {{convert|1|–|3|in|cm}} of snow before changing to rain, the northwestern suburbs of Boston reported much higher totals. Snowfall accumulations over {{convert|18|in|cm}} were reported in many of these areas,{{cite tweet|user=AaronPerryWx|author=Aaron Perry |number=1356616876747538435 |title=New snowfall reports coming in across the Merrimack Valley, 19" to 24" in Lowell and surrounding towns!}} with a confirmed total of {{convert|20.1|in|cm}} in Lowell, Massachusetts, and a preliminary total of {{convert|21.8|in|cm}} in Acton, Massachusetts.{{cite tweet|user=NWSBoston|author=NWS Boston|date=February 2, 2021|accessdate=February 2, 2021|url=https://twitter.com/NWSBoston/status/1356684450755563520|title=Latest observed #snowfall totals from yesterday's #winter storm. Notice the sharp snowfall gradient in the I-95/RT-128 corridor of #RI & Eastern #MA! A short distance between a few inches of snow to 20"+!! A BIG thank you to our snow observers. #CT #Boston #Providence #Hartford|number=1356684450755563520}}{{cite tweet|user=MILLCITYWEATHER|author=Mill City Weather|date=February 2, 2021|accessdate=February 2, 2021|url=https://twitter.com/MILLCITYWEATHER/status/1356598064841170944|title=#BREAKING 20.1" confirmed in Lowell, MA at 8:36 AM. @clamberton7 @WX1BOX @NWSBoston @ShawnMCWLowell @jreineron7 @ericfisher @4cast4you|number=1356598064841170944}} Worcester, Massachusetts recorded their second-highest snowfall total for February 1 on that day, with a total of {{convert|13.8|in|cm}} of snowfall before midnight.{{cite tweet|user=NWSBoston|author=NWS Boston|date=February 2, 2021|accessdate=February 2, 2021|url=https://twitter.com/NWSBoston/status/1356530192458502145|title=CORRECTION: The 14.0" set in 1898 remains the daily snowfall record for February 1st for Worcester. The February 1, 2021 total of 13.8" is the **2nd-highest daily snowfall record** for the date for Worcester. Our apologies for the error.|number=1356530192458502145}} Further north, a road in Acadia National Park was shut down due to snow.[https://wdea.am/acadia-national-park-closes-part-of-park-loop-road-ahead-of-winter-storm/ Acadia National Park Closes Part of Park Loop Road Ahead of Winter Storm Read More: Acadia National Park Closes Part of Park Loop Road Ahead of Winter Storm | https://wdea.am/acadia-national-park-closes-part-of-park-loop-road-ahead-of-winter-storm/], WDEA, February 1, 2021

File:Feb 4 2021 snow cover northeast.jpg

Roughly a week later, another winter storm followed, which caused impacts before and during the day of Super Bowl LV.{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/storms/winter/video/another-weekend-snowstorm-forecast-for-northeast|title=Another Weekend Snowstorm Forecast for Northeast|author=|website=weather.com|publisher=The Weather Company|date=February 6, 2021|accessdate=February 7, 2021|archive-date=February 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206201412/https://weather.com/storms/winter/video/another-weekend-snowstorm-forecast-for-northeast|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://dailyvoice.com/new-york/nassau/weather/new-updated-projected-snowfall-totals-released-for-super-bowl-sunday-noreaster/802888/|title=New, Updated Projected Snowfall Totals Released For Super Bowl Sunday Nor'easter|author=Joe Lombardi|publisher=Daily Voice|date=February 7, 2021|accessdate=February 7, 2021}}

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{{Portal|Weather|North America}}

• 2011 Groundhog Day blizzard
• February 2013 North American blizzard
• March 2013 nor'easter
• December 2014 North American storm complex
• January 2016 United States blizzard
• December 15–17, 2020 nor'easter
• October 2021 Northeast Pacific bomb cyclone – Another powerful cyclone that triggered a destructive atmospheric river event on the U.S. West Coast

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category|February 2021 nor'easter}}

• [https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/storm_summaries/storm2/storm2_archive.shtml Archive of Storm Summaries] from the Weather Prediction Center
• [https://www.wunderground.com/cat6/Cat-1-Cat-5-Scale-Atmospheric-Rivers Cat 1 to Cat 5: A Scale for Atmospheric Rivers]

{{2020–21 North American winter buttons}}

{{United States winter storms}}

Category:2020–21 North American winter

Category:2021 natural disasters in the United States

Category:Blizzards in the United States

nor'easter January 31 - February 3, 2021

nor'easter January 31 - February 3, 2021

Category:Nor'easters

Category:2021 meteorology

Category:Extratropical cyclones

Category:Natural disasters in West Virginia