Heavy accumulations of snow may cause structures to collapse. Motorists may be trapped in their cars. People may be trapped at home, especially the ill and elderly, without utilities or other services. Frostbite and hypothermia may pose problems. Plumbing that freezes may cause indoor water damage when warmth is restored.
Flooding can result when heavy snowfalls melt or ice jams block waterways.
Negative economic effects may arise from damage to property and people, problems with infrastructure, general loss of business, and other factors. Winter storms, including blizzards, are sometimes deceptive killers because most deaths are related to them indirectly. The leading cause of death during winter storms is automobile and other transportation accidents. During a blizzard, fire presents an even greater danger because local water supplies may freeze, and conditions may prevent firefighters and their equipment from reaching the fires. Frostbite, hypothermia, and the wind-chill factor Exposure to the strong winds and cold temperatures that accompany blizzards can result in frostbite or hypothermia.