Winter Storm Jonas left 102.8 million people over 434,000 square miles in 26 states covered with snow, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration spokeswoman Maureen O’Leary.
“This storm ranks up there with the great blizzards of the past 100 years in terms of amount of snowfall, size of impacted areas and population affected,” National Weather Service meteorologist Paul Kocin said in a statement.
While the blizzard may be over, the heavy snowfall’s potential threat on plumbing systems and infrastructure is still very active. With many areas getting upwards of 20 or even 30 inches of snow, the eventual snow melt will put a severe strain on drainage systems, especially if the temperatures warm quickly.
As a homeowner, it’s important to make sure your drain systems, such as gutters and downspouts, are free of debris or blockage to allow melting snow to drain properly. Flooding is also a possibility with a rapid snowmelt. Keep a watchful eye on your basements and flood-prone areas. Additionally, move the snow away from the house to prevent added stress on your foundation.
Finally, watch your yard carefully for soft spots. Soft ground can cause pipes to shift, which could result in leaks and breaks. It’s important to know the signs of a problem and repair it immediately.
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