Blizzard Leaves 19 Dead Across US, Paralyzes Major Cities
A total of 19 people died in weather-related incidents this weekend, after an enormous blizzard swept across the eastern half of the U.S.
According to the Guardian, many of the deaths were attributed to car accidents in snowy or icy conditions. Others died while shoveling snow or, in two cases in Virginia, of hypothermia.
The storm was, by all accounts, a monster. In New York City, it was the largest one-day blizzard in history (the second-largest for overall snowfall), dumping 26.8 inches on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
Well, Central Park had 26.8" of snow but it wasn't quite the biggest snowstorm on record. #winterstorm pic.twitter.com/baQrIxPp50
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) January 24, 2016
Over 10,000 flights were cancelled from Friday until Sunday, and over 200,000 people lost power in North Carolina and New Jersey.
In Washington, D.C., drama ensued after the official measurement was questioned. Some estimates have put the measure at 17.8 inches. A timelapse of the Capitol Building getting blanket
Meanwhile, many have also hinted at the connection of climate change to the recent spate of extreme weather events.
In New York, 6 of the top 10 snowstorms have occurred since the year 2000 (incl. this one, at #2). In D.C., that figure is 4 out of top 10.
— Andrew Freedman (@afreedma) January 24, 2016
