New Hampshire Digs Out: The Tireless Battle Against Winter's Lingering Snow

Well, wasn't that a storm? Just when we thought winter might be loosening its grip, New Hampshire got absolutely walloped by a truly formidable snowstorm Monday night and into Tuesday morning. And let me tell you, while many of us were cozy inside, enjoying the unexpected day off or perhaps just grumbling a bit about shoveling, the dedicated crews across our state have been out there, battling the elements non-stop. They're still at it, pushing through that heavy, wet snow, especially on those secondary roads that often get forgotten in the immediate aftermath.

It wasn't just a dusting, you know. WMUR's Adam Sexton reported some pretty significant totals from around the region – places like Nashua, Milford, Francestown, Candia, and Bow saw an impressive accumulation. We’re talking about a storm that really packed a punch, leaving behind not just snow but a whole heap of challenges. William Cass, our State DOT Commissioner, highlighted just how tough this one has been. It wasn't merely the volume of snow, but its weight, which, as we all know, makes it so much harder to move. Plus, that heavy snow led to a bunch of downed trees, which inevitably caused widespread power outages, adding another layer of complexity to the whole situation.

Right now, the big push is on. While most main roads are certainly passable – albeit still a bit slushy and certainly slick in spots – the focus has shifted to the more residential, secondary routes. It’s not just about getting one lane clear; it's about widening those roads back out to their full capacity, creating safe passage for everyone. And let’s be honest, it’s a huge job. These folks are doing incredible work, often in less-than-ideal conditions, just so we can get back to our daily routines safely.

So, a friendly reminder from your neighbors: even though the snow has stopped falling, please, please take it slow out there. Roads are still going to be tricky. Slush is one thing, but that sneaky black ice is always waiting to surprise you, especially as temperatures dip overnight. Give yourself extra time, keep a safe distance, and be mindful of those working on the roads. Their safety is paramount, and so is yours.

Beyond the roads, the ripple effects of the storm are still being felt. Power companies like PSNH and Unitil have been working tirelessly to get everyone back online, but with so many outages caused by those heavy, snow-laden branches, it’s a monumental task. And for many towns, even basic services like trash and recycling pickup have seen delays – Nashua and Manchester, among others, are still catching up. Of course, schools saw closures and delayed openings, giving some a snow day, but disrupting others.

This isn't a clean-up that'll be done in a day or two, unfortunately. Commissioner Cass warned us that for some areas, particularly those hardest hit or more rural, it could take days, maybe even weeks, to fully recover and get everything back to normal. It’s a testament to the sheer scale of the storm and the immense effort involved. But if there’s one thing we know about New Hampshire, it’s that we’re resilient, and we'll dig our way out, together.