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Northeast Buried: Snow Peaks Tower Over Cities
25 Feb
Summary
- Massive snowstorm blanketed the Northeast, causing widespread disruption.
- Cities struggled to clear towering snow heaps that showed no sign of melting.
- At least one death was reported due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Northeast United States was buried under a significant snowstorm this week, with accumulations from Maryland to Maine. Cities are actively working to clear the towering snow piles, which are not expected to melt soon.
New York City deployed 143 million pounds of salt and enlisted 3,500 emergency shovelers to clear public streets and bus stops. However, the storm's impact on individuals with disabilities highlighted accessibility challenges, with parts of the city described as impassable islands due to uncleared snow and ice.
In Rhode Island, over 33 inches of snow fell in Harrisville, making it difficult for residents like Tina Guenette, who uses a motorized wheelchair, to clear her yard. This storm surpassed snow totals from the historic Blizzard of 1978 in some areas.
Tragically, the storm led to at least one fatality. Joseph Boutros, a university student in Newport, Rhode Island, died from carbon monoxide poisoning after being found unconscious in a snow-covered vehicle. Meanwhile, flight disruptions are subsiding, with thousands of flights canceled earlier in the week.
Another storm originating in the Great Lakes was forecast to bring light snow and freezing temperatures to the Northeast on Wednesday, with potential for slick roads and black ice.
