Snow Chaos Hits Northeast: Power, Schools, and Streets in Disarray

The winter storm that swept from Maryland to Maine left the Northeast buried under a thick blanket of snow. In Rhode Island, residents faced three days of isolation as streets stayed unplowed and trash services were delayed. Schools in the state moved online, while other districts like Philadelphia returned to classrooms after a brief closure. Power outages were widespread. More than 138, 000 people lost electricity in Massachusetts, especially on Cape Cod. Utility crews worked long shifts to restore power, and many residents found shelter in warming centers where they could charge phones. One woman who had been without power since Sunday described the situation as unprepared and uncertain, saying she had to throw out most of her food. The storm produced thousands of damaged power lines that required backhoes to clear before repairs could begin. City officials in New York recruited 3, 500 emergency shovellers paid $30 an hour to clear sidewalks and bus stops. Meanwhile, a tragic incident in Rhode Island claimed the life of a 21‑year‑old student who died from carbon monoxide poisoning while trying to charge his phone in a snow‑blocked car.People with disabilities faced extra challenges. Sidewalks were uneven, with gaps that made it impossible for wheelchairs or strollers to pass. A wheelchair user in Harrisville, Rhode Island, had to shovel her yard after 33 inches of snow fell. Volunteers who usually help with shoveling had been absent for years, leaving residents to manage alone. Meteorologists estimated the storm carried 2. 5 trillion gallons of water in snow, enough to cover Manhattan a mile high or bury Rhode Island 92 feet deep. While the meltwater will eventually help alleviate regional drought, the immediate impact added strain to an already tough winter season. Cities responded by creating large basins of warm water to melt snow. Providence transported snow to several dumping sites, and more may be added as the cleanup continues. Flights across the United States were largely canceled in the storm’s peak, but by Wednesday many airports had reopened and services resumed.