Eastern U.S. digs out from monstrous winter storm

Snow and ice from Winter Storm Jonas have paralyzed a giant swath of the United States since Friday, making it difficult for travelers and cargo carriers to get to their destinations.    Cargo owners trying to move products through a wide swath of the eastern United States to distribution centers and stores should expect delays this week after a massive winter storm dumped two to three feet of snow across the region, transportation providers warn.
   The areas affected by Winter Storm Jonas extend from the Great Lakes to the Southeast, with the mid-Atlantic region bearing the brunt of the harsh conditions. Refreezing of melting snow could make travel conditions treacherous even after snow is cleared from roads.
   Eastern railroads CSX and Norfolk Southern have alerted customers to expect delays of up to 48 hours on freight moving through those areas. Recovery crews are working to restore full service and make necessary infrastructure or equipment repairs.
   Airports have re-opened, but some, such as Dulles International Airport outside Washington, only have one runway cleared and are operating on a limited basis as of Monday morning.
   The snow is also impacting truck deliveries, both long-haul and intra-city.
   Express delivery companies FedEx and UPS have contingency plans in place, but have notified customers to expect some service delays. Not all parts of their networks may be affected equally. Trunk routes supported by aircraft or 18-wheelers may be able to operate, but package delivery cars may find it difficult to reach homes and businesses, especially in rural and suburban areas. 
   Ports are also impacted. The Virginia Port Authority said its inland port in Front Royal is closed, although it is receiving trains, and the Port of Richmond will have a delayed opening Monday, and the Port of New York/New Jersey was closed entirely over the weekend.
   The federal government remains closed Monday for non-essential personnel and authorities in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia are urging residents to stay off the streets so that cleanup efforts can proceed without hindrance.