Winter Storm Orlena is a nor’easter that impacted much of the Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada between January 31 and February 3, 2021. Beginning as an extratropical cyclone over the Northeastern Pacific, just south of Alaska, the storm moved across the United States, from Northern California to the mid-West, finally developing into a nor’easter. The storm was then dubbed Orlena.

Orlena is the first storm in five years to bring a foot or more of snowfall to New York City. The megalopolis of Bos-NY (Boston, New York City) received 18-24 inches of snowfall. The state of New Jersey and the cities of Boston and New York declared states of emergency as widespread traffic accidents and major highway pileups occurred. The system has been directly responsible for at least 6 deaths, as well as another indirectly.

The effects of the storm are still being measured, but it was reported that Orlena initially left at least 575,000 without power. At its peak, Orlena had wind gusts measured at 125mph, 16 inches of rainfall, and close to 37 inches of snowfall. Orlena has since moved north and east over Nova Scotia, Eastern Canada, then eventually Newfoundland before dissipating over the Atlantic on February 5th.

PuroClean has been part of the cleanup and recovery during the aftermath of Orlena. Local offices focusing on water damage from winter storms help mitigate property damage for homeowners and businesses.

Winter Storm Uri – February 2021

Winter Storm Uri, from February 13-17, 2021, was a massive snowstorm that subjected much of the United States, stretching far and wide across the country. What is being described as “unprecedented” in size, this storm has affected 25 states, stretching from Texas to Maine. In total, over 170 million people were under a winter storm warning, according to the national weather service. 

It is being reported that more than 5.1 million customers across the country had no power as of the afternoon of Monday, February 15th, because of the deadly storm system. At least 4.2 million outages were reported in Texas alone. The severe winter weather has spurred emergency declarations in at least seven states, including Alabama, Oregon, Oklahoma, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Texas.

As of February 17, approximately 73% of the contiguous United States is covered in snow. The final snowfall totals are still being calculated but many areas are reporting more than a foot of snowfall daily.
1/3 of the country reported temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit on February 15th. Experts project that during the 7-day stretch, approximately 245 million people will experience below-freezing temperatures. Of those, roughly 50 million people will experience temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit in that same stretch.

There have been at least 15 weather-related vehicular deaths caused by Uri. The New York Times reports that the total death toll is at least 70. Slippery roads were responsible for at least 10 deaths in Kentucky and Texas, including a 100-car pileup in Fort Worth, TX that killed 6. 

PuroClean locations all across the nation are enduring this rough winter weather as well but we are always ready to serve our communities. We can help rescue your property in the event of water damage from frozen pipes, ice dams, or other leaks, accidental fire damage or smoke remediation, and so much more. Don’t hesitate to call if you need us.