Damage and Impacts
Storms with strong winds
Every year, winter weather indirectly and deceptively kills hundreds of people in the U.S., primarily from automobile accidents, overexertion and exposure. Winter storms are often accompanied by strong winds creating blizzard conditions with blinding wind-driven snow, drifting snow and extreme cold temperatures and dangerous wind chill. Heavy accumulations of ice can bring down trees and power lines, disabling electric power and communications for days or weeks. Heavy snow can immobilize a region and paralyze a city, shutting down all air and rail transportation and disrupting medical and emergency services. Storms near the coast can cause coastal flooding and beach erosion as well as sink ships at sea. In the West and Alaska, winds descending off the mountains can gust to 100mph or more damaging roofs and other structures.The economic impact of winter weather each year is huge, with costs for snow removal, damage and loss of business in the millions.
All of this and more occurred during March 12-15, 1993, when the "Storm of the Century" paralyzed the eastern coast of North America for three relentless days.
» More About the STORM OF THE CENTURY
Extreme cold
Extreme cold often accompanies a winter storm or is left in its wake. Prolonged exposure to the cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and become life threatening. Infants and elderly people are most susceptible. What constitutes extreme cold and its effect varies across different areas of the United States. In areas unaccustomed to winter weather, near freezing temperatures are considered "extreme cold." Freezing temperatures can cause severe damage to citrus fruit crops and other vegetation. Pipes may freeze and burst in homes that are poorly insulated or without heat. In the north, below zero temperatures may be considered as extreme cold. Long cold spells can cause rivers to freeze, disrupting shipping. Ice dams may form and lead to flooding.
Ice Storms
Heavy accumulations of ice can bring down trees, electrical wires, telephone poles and lines, and communication towers. Communications and power can be disrupted for days while utility companies work to repair the extensive damage. Even small accumulations of ice may cause extreme hazards to motorists and pedestrians. Bridges and overpasses are particularly dangerous because they freeze before other surfaces.
Heavy Snow Storms
Heavy snow can immobilize a region and paralyze a city, stranding commuters, stopping the flow of supplies, and disrupting emergency and medical services. Accumulations of snow can collapse buildings and knock down trees and power lines. In rural areas, homes and farms may be isolated for days, and unprotected livestock may be lost. In the mountains, heavy snow can lead to avalanches. The cost of snow removal, repairing damages, and loss of business can have large economic impacts on cities and towns.
Winter Flooding
Winter storms can generate coastal flooding, ice jams and snow melt, resulting in significant damage and loss of life.
- Coastal Floods: Winds generated from intense winter storms can cause widespread tidal flooding and severe beach erosion along coastal areas.
- Ice Jams: Long cold spells can cause rivers and lakes to freeze. A rise in the water level or a thaw breaks the ice into large chunks that become jammed at man made and natural obstructions. Ice jams can act as a dam, resulting in severe flooding.
- Snowmelt: Sudden thaw of a heavy snow pack often leads to flooding