According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Jonas now ranks as the fourth most powerful snowstorm to hit the Northeast in over 60 years. New York City is now recuperating, but 2.5 feet of melting snow has caused 400 manhole fires since Friday - some of which have resulted in large explosions.
These fires usually occur when snow melts and mixes with the salt that is laid on the streets. The runoff seeps under a manhole cover and erodes the underground wires, creating sparks that release combustible gases. When these gases ignite, a manhole can explode and the resulting build up of pressure may send a cover flying up to 50 feet in the air!
So if you're commuting in New York City, heed this warning. The last thing anyone needs is a manhole cover induced coma; trudging through five-day-old snow sludge is punishment enough.
