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Northeast, Midwest dig out

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published February 15, 2007

NEW YORK - 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.

At least 13 deaths were blamed on the 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 thousands of accidents. The Ohio State Highway Patrol alone handled more than 1,200, but there were few injuries because most vehicles were moving slowly, Sgt. Brett Gockstetter said.

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."

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.

"We're hoping people will understand we're doing the best we can do," said Pat Jarvis at Dwyer Florist in Northampton, Mass.

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.

Vermont's state government ordered all nonessential employees home after noon, the New York Capitol in Albany came to a near halt, and some Pennsylvania state workers were told to stay home. Maine's governor declared a state of emergency to ensure deliveries of heating oil, and New York's governor activated the National Guard.

In the Midwest, Springfield, Ill., got 16 inches of snow, and stiff wind piled the snow into drifts as high as 9 feet in parts of Indiana.

Hundreds of flights were canceled Wednesday at the New York area's three major airports and in Albany, Boston, Washington, Chicago, Philadelphia, Cincinnati and Indianapolis.

[Last modified February 15, 2007, 01:42:47]