Wednesday, February 14, 2007
NEW YORK (AP) -- Blowing snow and sleet glazed windshields and roads across the Northeast and the Midwest on Wednesday, messing up Valentine's Day flower deliveries and wrecking couples' plans for romantic dinners.
The storm grounded hundreds of flights and forced the closing of schools and businesses from Kentucky to Maine. Many of those stuck at home had no heat or lights because of blackouts that affected more than a quarter-million customers.
"I'm just trying to figure out where to take my wife for Valentine's Day," said Skip Daniels, the emergency management director in Sussex County, N.J.
At least 13 deaths were attributed to the huge storm system.
Blizzard warnings were posted for parts of New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine, where as much as 2 feet of snow was possible.
There were hundreds of accidents. The Ohio State Highway Patrol alone handled more than 1,200, but there were few injuries because most vehicle were moving slowly, Sgt. Brett Gockstetter said.
Difficult deliveries
The storm's cold, snow, sleet and rain made life difficult for Valentine's Day messengers.
"Cold. Slippery. Nobody has their sidewalks sanded," said Caroline Roggero at Rose Petal Florist in Newport, R.I. "They all want their delivery today."
The storm was a convenient excuse for husbands and boyfriends who forgot to send flowers. Some delivery drivers got stuck on the roads. Flowers delivered to offices were turned away because the businesses were closed. And customers had to change their orders to have flowers delivered to homes instead of places of work.
The 15,000-member Society of American Florists says Valentine's Day accounts for more than a third of annual sales. Spokeswoman Jennifer Sparks said most florists have four-wheel drive vehicles, and many tried to deliver flowers early.
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