Snow Chaos Hits Northeast: Power, Schools, and Streets in Disarray
The winter storm that swept from Maryland to Maine left the entire Northeast buried under a thick blanket of snow. In Rhode Island, residents endured three days of isolation as streets remained unplowed and trash services were delayed. Schools shifted online, while districts such as Philadelphia returned to classrooms after a brief closure.
Power Outages
- 138,000 people lost electricity in Massachusetts, especially on Cape Cod.
- Utility crews worked long shifts to restore power.
- Many residents sought shelter in warming centers to charge phones.
One woman, without power since Sunday, described the situation as unprepared and uncertain, noting she had to throw out most of her food.
Thousands of power lines were damaged, requiring backhoes for clearance before repairs could begin. In New York, city officials recruited 3,500 emergency shovellers paid $30 an hour to clear sidewalks and bus stops.
Tragically, a 21‑year‑old Rhode Island student died from carbon monoxide poisoning while attempting to charge his phone in a snow‑blocked car.
Challenges for People with Disabilities
- Uneven sidewalks and gaps made it impossible for wheelchairs or strollers to pass.
- A wheelchair user in Harrisville had to shovel her yard after 33 inches of snow.
- Volunteers who usually helped with shoveling had been absent for years, leaving residents to manage alone.
Meteorological Impact
- The storm carried an estimated 2.5 trillion gallons of water in snow, enough to:
- Cover Manhattan a mile high
- Bury Rhode Island 92 feet deep
While meltwater will eventually help alleviate regional drought, the immediate impact added strain to an already tough winter season.
City Responses
- Large basins of warm water were created to melt snow.
- Providence transported snow to several dumping sites, with more planned as cleanup continues.
Flights across the United States were largely canceled during the storm’s peak, but by Wednesday many airports had reopened and services resumed.
