PH embassy, consulate in New York, Washington warn Pinoys vs coming snowstorm

The Philippine Embassy in Washington and the Philippine Consulate General in New York have issued an advisory to Filipino communities in some parts of the United States to prepare for a coming snowstorm.

"Filipino communities in the South, Midwest, and Northeast are advised to undertake all necessary preparations and heed the warnings of local officials as an approaching snowstorm to these regions could bring heavy snow, dangerous travel conditions, and extreme cold this weekend," according to the statement of the Philippine Embassy.

"The safety of Filipino nationals is the Embassy’s priority. Please monitor local weather updates, prepare for cold temperatures, and limit travel during the storm," they added.

Reuters reported that travel disruptions, power outages, and frigid temperatures are expected to affect 150 million Americans on Friday and through the weekend as a massive storm clobbers the U.S. with heavy snow and freezing rain from the Central Plains to the East Coast, the National Weather Service said.

The Embassy in Washington also posted phone numbers for consular emergencies, 202-368-2767 or 202-769-8049.

The Consulate's hotline number for any one requiring emergency assistance, please contact  +1 (917) 294-0196. — BAP, GMA Integrated News