Great Lakes Communities Brace for More Snow After Record-Breaking Storms!
The Great Lakes region is bracing for even more snow after a powerful lake-effect storm left devastation in its wake. Towns across New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan are still digging out after being buried under nearly six feet of snow, with the storm causing deadly accidents, collapsing roofs, and stranding residents.
In New York, snowfall continued Tuesday, with some areas expected to see another 4 to 8 inches of snow. The National Weather Service kept a lake-effect snow warning in place, signaling that the storm is far from over.
In Ohio, the weight of snow partially collapsed the roof of a high school near Ashtabula over the weekend. With more damage discovered on Monday, school officials estimate repairs will take weeks and are working on relocating classes. East of Cleveland, over five feet of snow blanketed communities along Lake Erie, and a winter storm watch has been issued from Wednesday night through Friday.
Residents like Todd Brainard in North Perry are taking extra precautions. Using a roof rake, Brainard cleared heavy snow from his house, worried about the risk of a roof collapse. “I don’t want to take any chances with my kids or wife,” he said. “This kind of snow is something we haven’t seen in years.”
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency in four counties on Tuesday, as snow storms and high winds are forecast to return in the coming days.
In neighboring Pennsylvania, conditions remained severe. Many schools stayed closed, and another 3 to 9 inches of snow is expected between Wednesday and Thursday morning. Erie, Pennsylvania, which received several feet of snow, saw over 200 abandoned cars clogging roads, slowing snow-clearing efforts.
Erie’s assistant fire chief, Gregory Purchase, described the storm as “unprecedented.” Officials are asking residents to help dig out fire hydrants, and county jail inmates are expected to assist starting Wednesday.
The heavy snowfall has also been linked to several fatal accidents. In Iowa, three people were killed Monday morning when a driver attempting to pass a snowplow veered into oncoming traffic. In Kentucky, two lives were lost in a crash on Interstate 24 Monday night after winter conditions caused multiple accidents, leading to hours of delays.
Meanwhile, Pennsylvania National Guard members have been deployed to assist with rescue efforts, including transporting healthcare workers and rescuing stranded drivers.
Beyond the Great Lakes, southeast Alaska is also grappling with extreme winter weather. An ice storm warning and flood watches have been issued as rain and melting snow follow heavy weekend snowfall. In Juneau, the capital, rising temperatures turned snow into rain, adding to the region’s challenges.
The Great Lakes region, accustomed to harsh winters, is now dealing with a storm that officials and residents alike describe as extraordinary. As cleanup efforts continue, communities are preparing for the next wave of snow, hoping to avoid further damage and tragedy.
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