PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A massive storm left parts of the Northeast grappling with power failures, waist-high snowdrifts, and additional flurries on Wednesday. The storm impacted areas from Maryland to Maine.
Record Snowfall and Ongoing Disruptions
The fallout continued across the region, particularly in Rhode Island, where 3 feet (0.9 meters) of snow exceeded the record set during the Blizzard of 1978. Residents there remained largely confined to their homes for a third consecutive day as residential streets went unplowed, trash collection was postponed, and some schools transitioned to virtual learning.
Power Outages and Response Efforts
As of Wednesday afternoon, more than 138,000 customers were without power, with the vast majority of outages concentrated in Massachusetts, especially on Cape Cod. Utility crews worked 18-hour shifts to restore electricity, and warming shelters provided respite and phone-charging stations for those affected. Anny Enos of Barnstable, Massachusetts, took her three grandchildren to a warming station, expressing concern that power might not be restored until Friday after losing it Sunday afternoon. She reported having to discard most of her refrigerator’s contents on Tuesday.
“I hate to say it but it doesn’t seem like they were ready,” Enos said.
Emergency Measures and Infrastructure Damage
The storm caused “thousands” of damage sites, requiring crews to clear snow with backhoes before repairing or replacing utility poles, according to Doug Foley, president of electric operations for Eversource in Massachusetts. Additional crews from other states arrived Wednesday to assist. New York City took a creative approach, signing up at least 3,500 “emergency shovelers” to clear bus stops and streets for $30 per hour, in addition to spreading 143 million pounds (65 million kilograms) of salt by Tuesday evening.
Tragedy and Accessibility Concerns
Tragically, police reported that carbon monoxide poisoning claimed the life of a 21-year-old man in Rhode Island due to a blocked exhaust pipe on his car while attempting to charge his phone. Joseph Boutrous, a student at Salve Regina University, was an offensive lineman on the football team. Accessibility also emerged as a significant issue, with Jeff Peters, spokesperson for the Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York, describing impassable sidewalks with narrow, treacherous pathways. Tina Guenette, a motorized wheelchair user in Harrisville, Rhode Island, had to shovel her own yard after more than 33 inches (84 centimeters) of snow fell.
Flight Cancellations and School Closures
Thousands of flights were canceled in recent days, though disruptions began to subside Wednesday with nearly 200 flights grounded, according to FlightAware. Rhode Island’s T.F. Green International Airport reopened Tuesday, with some departures Wednesday alongside continued cancellations. While schools in New York City remained open for more than 900,000 students, Providence, Rhode Island, officials opted to continue virtual learning for the remainder of the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the storm?
The source content identifies the event as a “massive storm” that “blanketed the region with snow,” but does not specify the meteorological causes.
How does this storm compare to past events?
In Rhode Island, 3 feet (0.9 meters) of snow surpassed the record set during the Blizzard of 1978.
What is being done to address the power outages?
Utility crews are working 18-hour shifts to restore electricity, and warming shelters are open for those without power.
As the snow begins to melt, will it help with the drought? Meteorologist Ryan Maue stated that when the snow eventually melts, it will help mitigate the drought affecting parts of the Northeast.
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