With blizzard conditions sweeping into the Northeast US this weekend, consumers are busy clearing out store shelves and stocking up for what could be a few days stuck at home. But as the severe weather can often bring power outages that can last for days or even weeks, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing food safety recommendations for all of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast to ensure consumers are doing their best to remain healthy during this intense storm.
The National Weather Service has announced a storm system off the East Coast that continues to strengthen as it develops today through Sunday. As the storm moves up the coast, it is expected to bring snowfall of 2 feet or more in some areas through early Sunday. Strong, gusty winds will combine with the snow to create blizzard conditions along and near the coast. Winter storm warnings are in effect for the Baltimore and Washington DC metro areas as well as for portions of the Ohio valley and the southern Appalachians.