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Record-Shattering Storm Freezes South, Mid-Atlantic

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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.

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.

Meanwhile, CBN's Operation Blessing is extending a hand to people needing relief from frigid conditions.

Partnering with the city of Norfolk, Virginia, Operation Blessing teams served hot meals at a local high school and created a warming station to provide a comfortable and safe place for people to come off the streets and spend the day.

Operation Blessing is also helping vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, dig out of the snow.

Learn more about Operation Blessing and how you can help.

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About The Author

Dale
Hurd

Dale Hurd utilizes his four decades of experience to provide cutting-edge analysis of the most important events affecting our world. Since joining CBN News, Dale has reported extensively from Europe, China, Russia, and South America. His reports have been used or cited by NBC News, Fox News, and numerous news websites. Dale was credited with “changing the political culture in France” through his groundbreaking coverage of the rise of militant Islam in that nation. His stories garnered millions of views in Europe on controversial topics ignored by the European media. Dale has also covered the