36 Million Affected: Winter Storm Marcus Wreaking Havoc For Travelers In Northeast

Winter storm Marcus has dropped a little more than 23 inches of snow on Boston’s Logan airport, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Major pileups, travel bans, and cancelled flights are a few of the problems Marcus is causing for the Northeast. The Weather Channel reports that the latest winter storm has contributed to the ninth snowiest winter on record for Boston, bringing the city’s seasonal snowfall total to 77.3 inches on February 9.

Marcus has dropped so much snow that the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority cancelled rail service through the end of Tuesday, according to The Boston Globe. While not unprecedented, the MBTA closure shuts down one of Boston’s main forms of transportation on the same day that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has encouraged commuters to stay home.

State of Emergency declared in the Commonwealth of #Massachusetts due to Winter Storm #Marcus: http://t.co/7CLm0fLsHF

— Matt Soleyn(@MattSoleyn) February 10, 2015

#Massachusetts Governor says the majority of the flights at Logan #Airport have been canceled due to winter storm #Marcus. #Boston

— JEN DELGADO Weather (@JenDelgadoTWC) February 9, 2015

MBTA authorities originally planned to keep trains running Monday despite the raging winter storm, but a snow-covered third rail stopped a Red Line car during morning commute, leaving 50 passengers stranded and leading to the closure. Joe Pesaturo, an MBTA spokesman, said in a statement that the closure was unavoidable. “The MBTA is concerned about the risk of multiple disabled trains that would require evacuations on the tracks, potentially in the dark.” Workers are trying to clear the rails by hand.

Winter Storm Marcus in New England: Massachusetts Under State of Emergency; MBTA Workers Clear Train Tracks By Hand… http://t.co/ldW1mKvEpc

— FTSN (@fightingtyranny) February 10, 2015

#MAsnow slow down, wear your seatbelt. Operator removed from under vehicle was very lucky. Rte140 SB #Lakeville, pic.twitter.com/4XDGn7AoRT

— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) February 9, 2015

Winter storm Marcus hasn’t led to a travel ban, but because of a number of accidents, MassLive.com reports that Governor Baker is asking private businesses to remain closed and has asked all non-essential state employees to stay home. Massachusetts State Police are sharing photos and descriptions of the many weather-related rollovers, crashes, and spinouts on their Twitter page.

Below is a sample from today’s feed so far.

Few photos from rollover on I-93 SB in #Dorchester. Expect delays, two lanes closed. #MAtraffic pic.twitter.com/WHKdDpy5X3

— Dustin Fitch (@DustinGFitch) February 10, 2015

#MAsnow Rte495 SB at exit 51 #Haverhill van rolled over, 15 occupants inside. 2 minor injuries. 2 lanes closed.

— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) February 9, 2015

Not only has Marcus caused problems for commuters on the ground, the winter storm has caused dozens of airlines to cancel flights scheduled to depart from or arrive at Boston Logan International Airport. By 11 a.m. Monday, more than 250 flights scheduled to depart from Boston were cancelled, and nearly 250 arrivals were cancelled as well. Dozens of airlines have been affected.

Airport officials said in a statement that travelers are encouraged to contact their airlines before heading out for flights.

“Crews will be working through the storm to keep the airfield open, unless conditions make snow removal operations unsafe. In the event of excessive delays or diversions, Massport will work with airlines to provide passengers with cots.”

Logan International airport is open despite the winter weather, but on a limited basis only.

Marcus led airlines to cancel dozens of flights at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut as well. Over the weekend, airport authorities began warning travelers of delays and cancellations due to winter storm Marcus. However, flights have now resumed.

According to The Christian Post, 36 million people have been affected by the storm. Cleanup efforts are underway in Boston, with snow from Marcus and previous winter storm Linus being dumped in Boston Harbor and taken to drop-off points outside the city.

Have you been affected by winter storm Marcus? Sound off in the comments.

[Winter storm Marcus image via christianpost.com]