Light snow fell across parts of the Northeast on Wednesday as residents resumed normal routines following a massive storm that blanketed the region from Maryland to Maine.
Lingering Impacts and Recovery Efforts
While an additional one to three inches of snow was forecast, the primary concern shifted to hazardous road conditions as melting snow refroze overnight, creating black ice. Cities are working to clear towering snowdrifts. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani authorized the spreading of 143 million pounds of salt and enlisted at least 3,500 emergency shovelers at $30 per hour to clear bus stops and streets.
Power outages, initially affecting hundreds of thousands, were largely resolved in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Delaware, and Rhode Island. But, nearly 160,000 customers in Massachusetts, particularly on Cape Cod, remained without power early Wednesday, with utility Eversource projecting 99% restoration by Friday.
Tragedy and Ongoing Challenges
In Newport, Rhode Island, 21-year-old Salve Regina University student Joseph Boutros died from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning after his car’s exhaust pipe became blocked by snow while he charged his phone. Many Rhode Island residents faced a third consecutive day largely confined to their homes due to unplowed residential streets.
Accessibility Concerns
The storm’s aftermath presented significant challenges for people with disabilities. Jeff Peters, spokesperson for the Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York, described sidewalks as often impassable, with narrow, treacherous pathways. Tina Guenette, a motorized wheelchair user in Harrisville, Rhode Island, was forced to shovel her own yard after over 33 inches of snow fell, as the town’s volunteer program is inactive.
Storm Statistics and Future Outlook
Meteorologist Ryan Maue calculated that if the total snowfall had fallen on Manhattan, it would have reached over a mile high. The 2.5 trillion gallons of water contained within the snow could fill the Empire State Building more than 9,000 times. New York State received the equivalent of 680 billion gallons, Pennsylvania 410 billion gallons, and Massachusetts 28 billion gallons.
While the snow will eventually facilitate mitigate drought conditions in parts of the Northeast, the immediate impact is one of disruption. New York City is using warm water basins to melt snow, having previously melted 23 million pounds during last month’s storm. Providence, Rhode Island, is utilizing five snow dumping locations, with the possibility of adding more.
School and Transportation Updates
Some school districts, including Philadelphia and Boston, resumed in-person classes on Wednesday. However, Providence, Rhode Island schools remained closed for a third day, shifting to virtual learning. Flight disruptions were easing, with nearly 200 flights grounded Wednesday, according to FlightAware. Rhode Island’s T.F. Green International Airport reopened Tuesday, with some departures resuming Wednesday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the death in Newport, Rhode Island?
Joseph Boutros, a 21-year-old student, died from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning after his car’s exhaust pipe was obstructed by snow.
How did New York City respond to the storm?
Mayor Zohran Mamdani authorized the spreading of 143 million pounds of salt and hired at least 3,500 emergency shovelers to clear snow.
What is the current status of power outages in Massachusetts?
Nearly 160,000 customers in Massachusetts were still without power early Wednesday, primarily on Cape Cod, but utility Eversource expects to restore power to 99% of customers by Friday.
As communities begin the long process of recovery, how will cities adapt their infrastructure and emergency response plans to better prepare for increasingly severe winter weather events?