WINTER STORMS East Coast prepares for another hit

Also, up to 27 inches of snow is expected in northern Michigan.
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- Fat flakes of snow fell over a crunchy glaze of ice across the mid-Atlantic and Northeast early today, as winter-weary residents prepared for another day of snowdrifts and treacherous commutes.
Heavy snow blanketed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts -- states in the cross hairs of two strong systems that already have plagued the East for much of the week.
"I'm sick of this," said Clinton Melvin, of Irvington, N.J., as he hopped a New York-bound commuter train. "I used to live in Florida. I wish I was there now."
New York City public schools, the nation's largest system with 1.1 million pupils, was closed today. Five to 10 inches of snow was expected in the city, the National Weather Service said.
Up to 27 inches of snow was possible in northern Michigan by today. New Jersey was forecast to be hit with up to 10 inches, Connecticut expected up to 12 inches, and upstate New York prepared to battle 13 inches.
Stranded motorists
National Guardsmen from North Carolina patrolled Interstate 95 in humvees, pulling stranded vehicles from banks of snow and ice and said they were frustrated that motorists are not heeding warnings to stay off roads.
"The storm at this point is only as challenging as our citizens are making it by getting out on the roads," Gov. Mike Easley said. "There is a ripple effect of danger when you don't pay attention to what law enforcement is telling you."
At least 50 deaths -- seven in North Carolina alone -- were attributed to the snow, ice and cold that have blanketed the eastern half of the nation since the weekend.
Winter storm warnings were in effect overnight for most of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, where at least 11/2 feet of snow was forecast. Stiff winds caused widespread blowing and drifting, creating whiteout conditions on roads.