Blizzards are inescapable − but the most expensive winter storm damage is largely preventable

Costs quickly rise when things go wrong with roads, roofs and power lines. Many of those risks are also avoidable.

By: Michel Bruneau, University at Buffalo, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 25, 2026

Words: 1,149

Last Updated: 1 month, 3 weeks ago

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By Michel Bruneau, University at Buffalo

Winter storms can easily become billion-dollar disasters as the snow piles up on interstates and collapses roofs and power lines. Yet, while canceled flights and business interruptions can’t be avoided, what turns a snowstorm into a disaster often can be.

I have worked on engineering strategies to enhance disaster resilience for over three decades and recently wrote a book, “The Blessings of Disaster,” about the gambles humans …

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