The East Coast is preparing for a winter storm expected to bring a record-breaking amount of snow. The storm, which could affect more than 75 million people from Arkansas to Massachusetts, began early Friday morning.
Snowfall could reach 2 feet or higher in some areas, including Baltimore and Washington, meteorologists say. Accumulation in the tristate area — New York, New Jersey and Connecticut — is expected to be 6 to 10 inches, with winds surging from 25 mph to 35 mph, according to ABC News.
The storm is expected to last through Sunday, and many states have already declared a state of emergency. More than 2,520 flights have been cancelled, according to ABC.
In anticipation of the storm and the potentially dangerous conditions it could bring, hospitals throughout the East Coast are taking measures to prepare for emergency situations.
Here are five things to know about the hospitals in the path of the storm.
1. Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency Thursday as the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the Charlottesville area, effective from Friday morning to Sunday morning, according to Daily Progress. Emergency departments and the University of Virginia Medical Center and Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital — both in Charlottesville — will remain open during the storm. Hospital officials at both facilities said they are prepared for potential power outages with backup generators, according to the report. However, most of UVa's outpatient clinics will be closed and elective surgeries at UVa Medical Center are cancelled for Friday and Saturday.
2. In the Richmond, Va., area, local hospitals are working together to prepare for the storm. HCA Virginia Health System has set up an incident command center at Henrico Doctor's Hospital. David Donaldson, COO of Henrico Doctor's Hospital, told ABC 8 News hospital workers will stay at nearby hotels or spend the night at the hospital. Leaders from nearby hospitals said they are prepared with supplies of blood, backup generators and snow blowers.
3. Washington, D.C., may be one of the hardest hit cities. "We will be prepared to shelter in place Friday night and Saturday night," said Craig DeAtley, the emergency management director at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, according to a WJLA report.
4. Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C., has cancelled all elective procedures scheduled before 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22 at Mission Hospital at its Memorial and St. Joseph campuses. Additionally, the Asheville Surgery Center will be closed and all procedures moved to the afternoon on the Mission Hospital campus, but they may be cancelled depending on the weather.
5. In the Lexington, Ky., area, road crews have been preparing for the storm for the last week, according to a Lex18.com report. Several city divisions are prepared to send in extra help from private contractors to get the streets cleared. UK HealthCare hospitals and clinics will remain open during the course of the storm.