Winter Weather Blankets Eastern U.S. With Ice

Worcester, Massachusetts -- New Englanders woke up to an ice-covered world this morning, the day before Valentine's Day. Last night's winter storm started with harmless and powdery snow that was then covered with freezing rain. In some places, the ice crust on top of the snow was as thick as one quarter inch.

While these winter weather conditions made for somewhat hazardous conditions last night, major roads were plowed and sanded in time for people to head out to work. Traveling was still slow going on the Mass Pike, according to the National Weather Service and the Associated Press. Commuters were slowed to 40 miles per hour in some slick areas due to the falling of more freezing rain.

Some public schools in the Worcester area (Whdh.com/stormforce) and Boston area (Thebostonchannel.com/closings) closed, while others simply delayed school opening by two hours. (WBZ.TV)

The storm created an icy mess but it was not severe as the thunderstorms that preceded the snow storm that hit the area last weekend.

Local residents rose early and spent the morning digging out cars and snow blowing driveways. The ice coverage made driveways impassable if they were not cleared of the ice sheet and snow.

Snow Accumulation

The snow accumulation varied greatly throughout the region. In Fitchburg, Massachusetts, residents received 7.8 inches of snow (WHDH). In other cities, like Methuen there was a snow accumulation of 4.9 inches. Boston received two inches of snow (AccuWeather.com)

Preparation Before the Storm

Hours before the winter weather hit, people were already planning ahead.

"'I'm hoping we get a lot of snow so I can sleep in," Bethany, one local resident said.

Others were more practical. As the sky filled with heavy storm clouds and a stillness blanketed the area, residents were out shopping.

The snow started around 5:30pm in Central Massachusetts. An earlier trip to the grocery store revealed the usual pre-storm shopping. Elderly locals were out buying the essentials. Shopping families were stocking up on gallons of milk and fruit.