Back-to-back winter storms bury swaths of U.S.; 2 motorists die

Winter Storm Pluto, which hit New England midweek, was the third to hammer the area in a week, dumping more snow atop the near-record inches that fell last week, snarling traffic and canceling flights. New York and New England were hit with more than a foot of snow in some areas last week. Last week, Maine received the brunt of the snowfall totals in the region, but whiteout conditions in Ohio led to the deaths of two motorists. Across the Northeast, residents this winter have experienced a rare weather phenomenon known as thundersnow, when thunder and lightning occur as snow is reaching the ground.

Robert F. Bukaty / Associated Press Cyclist David Cassidy of Bangor, Maine, enjoys the moment after crossing the finish line in an 18-mile bike race at the Fat Tire Festival last Saturday. Riders had to endure heavy snowfall and near zero temperatures.