Winter Storm

Winter Storm Helena Dumps More Than a Foot of Snow on Southern New England; 20-Car Pileup Reported on I-91 in Connecticut

At a Glance

Helena caused problems in New England, where a 20-car pileup was reported on I-91 in Connecticut. The interstate has since been reopened.
Officials told residents to stay off the roads in Cape Cod when conditions deteriorate, as white-out conditions are possible.
In Boston, Mayor Marty Walsh asked residents to keep an eye out for one another's safety during the storm.

Winter Storm Helena dumped more than a foot of snow on parts of southern New England Saturday into Sunday.

A reported 19.5 inches fell on the town of East Bridgewater, about 30 miles south of Boston, according to the Associated Press.

More than 700 crashes were reported in North Carolina, while Virginia State Police said they responded to 500 crashes. On Saturday, a pileup in Connecticut involved at least 20 vehicles.

The incident occurred along a snow-covered stretch of Interstate 91 near Middletown, according to the Connecticut State Police. No serious injuries were reported, but it gave authorities a chance to warn residents about the dangers of the incoming storm. Both sides of the interstate were closed Saturday afternoon due to the collision but reopened Sunday morning.

(MORE: Latest Helena Impacts | New York City Prepares)

Air travel was also impacted by the winter storm. At Boston Logan International Airport, more than 120 flights were canceled on Saturday, according to FlightAware. Travelers were urged to check on the status of their flight with their airline before going to the airport. More flights were canceled Saturday at Boston Logan, with 59 cancellations and 18 delays on Sunday.

Weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman said Helena dumped up to 19.5 inches of snow in eastern Massachusetts, which topped totals from last winter.

"Officially, Boston's Logan Airport picked up 7.2 inches of snow, heavier than any snowstorm last winter, heaviest since Winter Storm Neptune dumped 16.2 inches of snow, there, on February 14-15, 2015," he said.

According to the AP, officials told residents to stay off the roads along Cape Cod once Helena arrives, with white-out conditions being possible at the height of the storm.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said during a news briefing that numerous minor crashes occurred around the state, none of which were major. He added that more than 3,000 pieces of snow removal equipment had been deployed on major roadways.

"The driving conditions are unsafe," state highway director Tom Tinlin. "We are talking about the potential for white-out conditions."

On the Maine Turnpike, speed limits were reduced to 45 mph between the New Hampshire state line and Exit 53 in Falmouth, the AP also reported.