Northeast Buried Under Heavy Snow
The storm intensified as it moved into the Northeast, dumping more than 20 inches of snow in parts of Massachusetts and leaving Boston with nearly a foot and a half. Schools across the region closed, and city governments declared emergencies to speed snow removal and request outside assistance.
New York City recorded over 11 inches of snow in Central Park, setting a daily record. Philadelphia saw its heaviest snowfall in nearly a decade, while Pittsburgh struggled to keep roads clear as nearly half of its snowplow fleet required repairs.
South Struggles With Ice and Extreme Cold
Before heading north, the storm pummeled the South with a rare and destructive ice event. In Texas and Louisiana, ice-coated trees collapsed under the weight, tearing down power lines and blocking roads. Entire neighborhoods were left inaccessible as crews worked around the clock to clear debris.
In Mississippi and Georgia, officials warned residents that refreezing conditions would make even cleared roads unsafe. Some areas experienced ice accumulation not seen since the mid-1990s.
Temperatures plunged well below normal, with wind chills in parts of the Midwest dropping to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, creating life-threatening conditions for anyone exposed outdoors for extended periods.
