Parts of the Northeast and New England are digging, plowing and snow plowing after a historic blizzard hit parts of the region.
Providence, Rhode Island saw more snow in two days than Raleigh has seen in the last decade.
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It wasn't a light, fluffy or powdery kind of snow, either. With temperatures close to/slightly below freezing, this snow had more water in it. This makes it weight down more on roofs, trees, power lines, etc.
Snow can weigh a lot!
According to research at Cornell University, here is the weight of wet snow per every six-to-twelve inches that accumulates.
An average roof can typically withstand 20 pounds-per-square-foot, which is probably why I got video of my uncle clearing his roof in Connecticut Monday.
Risk of injury, heart attack removing snow
While the Northeast and New England are more equipped for snow than we are, it's important to remind your loved ones to be careful when removing snow.
If they're fortunate enough, they have a snowblower and/or a snow plow. However, shoveling this kind of snow is a daunting task.
Cleveland Clinic says that shoveling snow brings your heart rate up to what you'd expect out of peak exercise.
Those with pre-existing conditions, those who are elderly or have a history of smoking should not be shoveling. Even if you're in good shape, treat this as an exercise routine. Stretch and warm-up beforehand. Take time to take breaks. Hydrate and recover properly afterward.