Snow is beautiful, white crystals that fall from the sky. Many who experience snow for the first time are usually excited. The crispness of the air, and the glow from the whitened landscape is awe inspiring. This beautiful snow can also be dangerous.
It can shut down an entire city. During snowstorms, streets become slippery and cars skid into each other. People slip and fall on the pavement. They can break bones or sprain ankles.
Electricity is out because of the heavy snow pulling down power lines. Heavy snow can knock over trees. If heavy enough, it can collapse roofs.
People, driving to work, are stranded on the roadside. There have been reports that some stranded motorists have gotten out of their cars and lost their sense of direction. They are not sure where anything is. They cannot find their way back to the car. If there is a serious accident, rescue teams are slow or unable to respond.
People who are ill are not able to make it to the hospital. This has a detrimental effect on peoples’ lives. If someone has a heart attack, there is a possibility that death will befall the victim.
There is no public transportation available. The pantry is empty. There is no way to get more food. Many people try to walk to the store, and end up lost and frozen. Economically, snow is bad. Many shop owners can not open their businesses because they can not find a way to get there. No one can shop for supplies because there is no transportation.
The town has to pay for snow plows and removal of snow, and fix damages from the snow.
Physically, people can be seriously affected by the snow. Some attempt to shovel their way to their car, or the sidewalk, or their driveway. People who are not used to this type of labor can strain their hearts. Sometimes, this results in a heart attack. Slip and fall accidents are likely.
Psychologically, snow may affect people who have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Studies have shown that during snowstorms people tend to be affected by the darkness and can not produce enough serotonin to counteract the feelings of depression. Other studies discuss ions in the weather. If there are positive ions in the atmosphere, people become cranky.
After a snowstorm comes another problem for the community. The piled up snow starts to melt and floods the streets. It ices over and the street becomes hazardous for walkers and drivers.
There are some “up” sides to snow. Children cheer and jump about because there is no school. In resort areas, they are ecstatic because they know that people come to play in the snow. Business owners who have winter sporting goods and those who sell snow blowing or clean up equipment are rubbing their hands together in glee. Snow is a wondrous work of nature. It can bring both fun and problems.
