US grapples with biting cold after 'bomb cyclone'

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - Daunting scenes of wintry destruction continued to emerge from Boston on Friday as much of the northeastern United States begins to clean up from a rare massive winter storm.

What scientists have termed a "bomb cyclone" slammed cities along the cost beginning Thursday, and the National Weather Service warned Boston's residents to "stay away from the coastline" on as massive flooding accompanied a total snowfall of 13.4 inches (34 centimeters).

The agency later confirmed Boston recorded the highest tide since 1921 as the city and surrounding areas rushed to clean up ahead of an expected cold snap.

"If anyone wants to question global warming, just see where the flood zones are," Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said Thursday.

The "bomb cyclone" was set off by a sharp dip in atmospheric pressure, and brought rare snowfall to Florida on Wednesday before heading north.

At least seven people died in weather-related incidents across the eastern seaboard, according to The Associated Press.

Across the east and midwest authorities are warning residents daily temperature records are set to be shattered with dangerous wind chills coming from the Arctic. New York City and Philadelphia are expected to hover in the single digits through the weekend, while Boston is expected to dip to seven degrees below zero (-13 Celsius).

In northern New England, temperatures are expected to fall even lower.