New Storms Dump More Snow and Ice in Northeast

Up to 18 inches of snow blanketed parts of the Northeast on Friday, hampering efforts to restore power that’s been off since last week’s ice storm and further dampening the spirits of winter-weary residents.

About 59,500 customers were without power Friday in Maine, where 4 to 8 inches of snow fell. Up to 18 inches fell in northern New York, where 62,800 customers were without power.

Also on Friday, an ice storm coated much of Connecticut, which escaped the brunt of last week’s storm, and knocked out power to 87,570 customers.

Up to a foot of snow fell in Massachusetts, causing car accidents and canceling classes. A snow emergency was declared in Boston, but residents said 3 inches doesn’t faze them.

“This is not bad at all,” said Patty Barney, an employee of Osco Drug. “I shoveled the walk and driveway by myself.”

The storm tapered off later in the day, and the National Weather Service canceled a warning that yet another snowstorm would hit the region Friday night.

Many snowplows in Maine were diverted to help power crews, so some roads that are usually cleared quickly were icy, slushy messes for much of the day.

Most schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island were closed, making a four-day weekend for children because of Martin Luther King Day on Monday.

In Maine, pummeled by a severe ice storm over a week ago, schools have been closed since then and are not expected to open before Tuesday. Education officials were mulling how to have the children make up their missed classes.

Hospitals say they have noticed an increase in heart attacks and other stress-related health problems. “People are testy, but I don’t think we’ve seen yet the increase in spousal abuse or violence that we might expect later if this continues,” said Dr. David Stuchiner, director of emergency medicine at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.

Some were frustrated enough to make threats against Central Maine Power Co. workers, and the company hired off-duty police officers to protect its offices. The company said it expects to restore power to all customers sometime next week.