"It's a Madhouse!": No Relief in Sight as Yet ANOTHER Record-Shattering Winter Storm Slams Atlantic States

by Dale Hurd : Feb 17, 2015
CBN News

"This time it's hitting the South, too."

Another blast of cold air is putting the East Coast on ice Tuesday with more record-shattering snow and winter storm warnings in 20 frigid states, affecting as many as 90 million Americans. (Photo via CBN News)

The season's first major snowstorm to blast large parts of the South struck early today and headed up the winter-weary Eastern Seaboard.

Until now, the South had been largely spared from the worst of this ferocious winter. But no more.

After weeks of snow in the Northeast, a mid-February storm blasted through southern and Mid-Atlantic states.

A dangerous mix of sleet and freezing rain made roads extremely treacherous and knocked out power to thousands. Residents of Waldorf, Maryland, stocked up at supermarkets.

"It's a madhouse," one Maryland shopper told WJLA's Channel 8.

In Philadelphia, Arctic temperatures made firefighting even more dangerous, as buildings risked collapse from the weight of frozen water.

Home and business owners across the Mid-Atlantic and New England shared that concern. Throughout New England, buildings were evacuated because of the threat of roofs collapsing.

"Complete panic," said Victor Grillo, with the Quick Fix Construction Company. "Everyone's just freaking out."

New England homeowner Mary Johnson described the mayhem in her house.

"The beams started to collapse and split and fall into the attic," she said.

In Massachusetts, the roof of a Lowe's hardware store collapsed.

"They aren't capable of holding this type of weight, obviously, which is why they're caving in," foreman Vinnie Brandolini said. "So that's what we got to worry about. That's what we're up against."

Manhattan residents endured the coldest February day in nearly three decades.

"I figure it's cold when your eyeballs ache. That's cold," one resident said.

Even Niagara Falls - one of the wonders of the world - was a frozen wonderland. Visitors braved a temperature of 13 below to see it.

"Well, it's beautiful," a French tourist named Julie told WKBW-TV. "It's worth braving the cold."

And in long-suffering Boston, there's no relief, with the mercury at 3 below.

"Maybe if you are going to visit Boston, come in June, not February," Boston resident Connor Ring said.