Winter storms in Atlantic City, New Jersey, can create health hazards that go well beyond snow-covered streets and difficult travel. A major storm can combine freezing temperatures, strong winds, heavy or wet snow, power outages, blocked roads, coastal exposure, and interruptions to normal medical services. These conditions can place additional stress on the heart, increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite, and make carbon monoxide poisoning more likely when residents turn to generators or alternative heating methods.

For people managing chronic illnesses, older adults, young children, people with disabilities, and anyone who relies on regular medications or medical equipment, preparation is especially important. Before a significant storm, residents should monitor local weather information and understand how changing conditions could affect access to medical care. Checking the Atlantic City winter storm warning today can help residents decide when to remain indoors, postpone strenuous outdoor work, and prepare for possible travel disruptions.

The following health risks deserve particular attention during winter storms in Atlantic City.

Heart Attack Risk From Snow Shoveling

Snow removal can become a surprisingly demanding physical activity. Shoveling requires repeated lifting, pushing, twisting, and walking through resistance. Cold temperatures can add another layer of cardiovascular stress because cold causes blood vessels to constrict, which can increase blood pressure and make the heart work harder. The combination of strenuous activity and cold weather is particularly concerning for people with known heart disease, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular risk factors.

Heavy, wet snow can be especially difficult to move because it weighs considerably more than loose, powdery snow. A person who normally does little strenuous exercise may suddenly spend an hour repeatedly lifting heavy loads. That abrupt physical demand can contribute to cardiac problems.

People with cardiovascular disease should follow their healthcare provider's advice about strenuous outdoor activity. The CDC specifically recommends caution with heavy outdoor work in cold weather, particularly for people with heart disease or high blood pressure. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Warning signs of a heart attack can include pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the chest; discomfort spreading to the arm, shoulder, back, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen; shortness of breath; unusual sweating; nausea; or lightheadedness. Symptoms are not always dramatic, and some people may experience less typical symptoms.

If concerning symptoms occur during snow removal, stop immediately and seek emergency medical assistance. Do not attempt to finish the driveway or sidewalk first. In an emergency, call 911 rather than trying to drive yourself through dangerous storm conditions.

How to Reduce the Strain of Snow Removal

The safest approach during a severe storm may be to avoid shoveling altogether and arrange assistance. If snow removal is necessary and a person's health status permits it, several precautions can reduce physical strain.

• Dress in several warm layers rather than one heavy layer.
• Take frequent breaks indoors.
• Avoid lifting large amounts of snow at once.
• Push snow instead of lifting it whenever practical.
• Use a properly sized shovel rather than an oversized model.
• Stay hydrated even though cold weather may reduce the sensation of thirst.
• Stop immediately if chest discomfort, unusual shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness, or palpitations develop.

Cold-weather cleanup should be treated as physical exercise, not as a routine household chore. Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions should consider arranging help before the storm rather than waiting until snow has accumulated.

Hypothermia: Symptoms That Should Never Be Ignored

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Although it is most strongly associated with very cold conditions, it can also occur at temperatures above 40°F when someone becomes wet from rain, melting snow, sweat, or immersion in cold water. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

This is particularly relevant in a coastal community such as Atlantic City, where winter storms can bring cold wind, precipitation, flooding-related exposure, and difficult outdoor conditions.

Early symptoms can include shivering, tiredness, poor coordination, and difficulty concentrating. As hypothermia becomes more severe, symptoms can progress to confusion, fumbling hands, memory problems, slurred speech, unusual drowsiness, and eventually loss of consciousness.

One dangerous feature of hypothermia is that the affected person may not recognize how impaired they have become. Confusion can prevent someone from taking appropriate action or asking for help.

If hypothermia is suspected, move the person into a warm shelter as soon as possible. Remove wet clothing and place dry blankets or clothing around the person. Focus on warming the center of the body, including the chest, neck, head, and groin. Medical attention should be obtained promptly. A body temperature below 95°F is an emergency. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Do not give alcohol as a warming measure. If the person is unconscious, do not give them anything to drink. Severe hypothermia requires emergency medical care.