Blizzard paralyzed New York: Orthodox neighborhoods under siege

A strong blizzard on the East Coast of the US takes a toll of fatalities and is paralyzing the coastal cities, including New York. The Haredi rescue organizations were preparing for Shabbos, and neighborhood rabbis have issued special halachos for it.

New York City Mayor De Blasio imposed a curfew on the city. Whoever drives a car will be arrested.

A fierce storm is raging on the East Coast of the United States and so far claimed the lives of ten people. About 50 million people who live on the East Coast were instructed today to remain in their homes and more than a hundred thousand homes are cut off from electricity.

In Washington, DC about 60 cm of snow piled up. Following the storm a state of emergency was declared, 6,000 flights were canceled, all public transportation in New Jersey was canceled as rail system and transport and airport services were canceled in the entire east coast region.

Meteorologist Rich Otto of the American Prediction Center said: "When you combine the heavy snow and fierce wind, if you take the risk and go out, it's a matter of life or death." He warned that the snow may pile up in the Washington area, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland to a height of 76 cm. If that happens, it will go down in record. In 2010, snow was piled up around Washington to a height of 45.2 cm and in 1922 the peak was measured with snow piled to a height of 71.1 cm.


Live broadcast from New York


The storm makes its way to New York, and already towards Shabbos emergency and rescue organizations in Haredi areas of New York and New Jersey made preparations.

Towards Shabbos local rabbis issued special instructions about proper behavior on Shabbos during the storm.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!