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Ramsey County | Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan 93 essential services. Extreme cold poses serious health risks such as hypothermia and frostbite, particularly for the elderly, young children, and those without adequate heating. Unhoused individuals and those living in poorly insulated homes are especially at risk. Ice storms create hazardous conditions by coating roads, power lines, and trees with ice, often resulting in widespread power outages and dangerous driving conditions. The loss of power can leave people without heat, light, and communication, exacerbating the risks, especially for those dependent on electricity for medical devices. Additionally, ice can make walkways treacherous, increasing the risk of falls. 3.13.7.2 Property Blizzards can lead to significant snow accumulation, causing roofs to collapse under the weight. Extreme cold can cause pipes to freeze and burst, resulting in extensive water damage and costly repairs for homes and businesses. It can also strain heating systems, leading to potential failures during peak demand periods. Ice storms are particularly damaging as they coat power lines, trees, and structures with a heavy layer of ice. This can cause trees to fall and power lines to snap, leading to widespread power outages that may take days or even weeks to repair. The combined effects of these winter weather events pose significant challenges to maintaining the safety and functionality of property and infrastructure. Based on available data and stakeholder input, there have been no significant developments or land use changes since the last plan update that have increased or decreased the overall risk or exposure to this hazard. 3.13.7.3 Environment Winter weather can alter habitats and potentially disrupt the food sources and migratory patterns of wildlife. Heavy snow cover and ice accumulation can damage vegetation, particularly trees and shrubs that are not adapted to withstand such weight, leading to long-term ecological impacts. Extreme cold spells can be detrimental to both flora and fauna, with prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures causing frost damage to plants and endangering animals that lack sufficient shelter or are unable to find adequate food. Additionally, ice buildup on rivers and lakes can impact aquatic ecosystems by altering water flow and potentially causing fish kills due to reduced oxygen levels. The cumulative effect of these winter weather events can lead to significant disruptions in the natural environment, affecting biodiversity and the overall health of ecosystems. 3.13.7.4 County and Community Operations Government and community operations can be greatly impacted by winter weather. Blizzards and ice storms can cripple transportation systems, making roads impassable and hindering the movement of emergency vehicles, public transportation, and supply chains. Extreme cold can strain public infrastructure, leading to increased demand for heating and energy, which can overwhelm utilities and cause power outages. Ice storms are particularly devastating as they can lead to widespread power outages by bringing down power lines and damaging infrastructure. The result of any of these can halt government operations, disrupt communication networks, and impede the delivery of critical services. Additionally, the cleanup and repair efforts following such events can place a significant financial burden on local governments and communities, diverting resources from other important projects and services.