Heavy snow poses multiple health threats, from shoveling to hypothermia

As the Northeast faces historic snow accumulations this week, experts warn of the physical dangers of shoveling heavy snow, especially for those who don’t exercise regularly or have pre-existing health conditions.

“The combination of heavy, wet snow and strong winds makes it even more spectacular Health risks “Because it’s very difficult to get around,” Dr. Mark Siegel, Fox News’ chief medical analyst, told Fox News Digital.

“In the wake of a storm, as temperatures drop, heavy, wet snow forms icicles, making walking and driving dangerous.”

Heavy, wet snow can get inside clothing and cause “more cold,” which can lead to hypothermia in severe cases, according to Siegel.

People who are not usually physically active are at greater risk of having a heart attack while shoveling snow. (Istock)

In an appearance on Monday on “Fox & Friends,” the doctor stressed the importance of wearing appropriate clothing in these circumstances.

“I saw this morning people who weren’t covered properly…they weren’t wearing gloves, they didn’t have the full hat, or the type of coat they needed,” he said.

“The combination of wet snow, heavy snow and high winds makes it even more of a health risk.”

“They also weren’t taking care of each other. You need to take care of each other. With this kind of wind, it’s really easy to get disoriented.”

Siegel urged people to stay home unless it is absolutely necessary to leave their homes.

“Be careful if you are outside for short periods – for falling power lines or trees. This is also very dangerous,” he warned. “That’s where a lot of the injuries come from.”

Snow covers several cars on a New York City street on February 23, 2026. (Fox News Digital)

There is also an increased risk of falling, as well as electrocution due to the weight of heavy snow on power lines. Being without power is its own thing Health risks“, Siegel stated.

Dr. Joshua Latzman, a cardiologist at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York, shared with the American Heart Association (AMA) that research has shown that heavy snow shoveling can put “significant stress on the heart.”

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“In very cold temperatures, this additional stress can increase the risk of a heart-related event,” he said. “This can be especially dangerous for people who are not in good shape or are not used to it Strenuous activity“.

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Shoveling in the wind can also increase the risk of a health event, because exposure to cold air can raise blood pressure and narrow coronary arteries, according to the AMA.

“Many heart-related events occur in people who are normally inactive,” Latzman continued. “When an unstable person suddenly does heavy shoveling After the storm“This unexpected stress can unfortunately lead to a serious emergency.”

A woman walks her dog on a closed street on the Upper East Side of Manhattan during a record snow storm on February 23, 2026. (Lauren Abbondondolo)

Effort to lift something heavy can have the same effect if normal breathing is affected.

Other groups at risk include obese people, those who smoke or have smoked in the past, diabetics, and those with high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Anyone who has ever had it Heart attack or stroke The AMA also stated that she is at higher risk.

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“Anyone has these characteristics, including people who have undergone Bypass surgery “Or coronary angioplasty, snow shoveling should not be done,” Latzman concluded.

Experts warn that exposure to cold temperatures can lead to high blood pressure. (Istock)

Siegel urged those who may be at risk to avoid getting out with their shovels and “be heroes.”

“It’s about as much cardiac energy expenditure as possible,” he said. “So, if you’re inactive, don’t go and shovel. Ask someone younger or someone in much better shape to do it.”

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If shoveling is unavoidable, experts advise doing it gradually and at a comfortable pace. The AMA also suggests covering your mouth and nose and wearing layers of clothing, including a hat and gloves.

Pushing or sweeping snow is safer than lifting and throwing it, because it requires less energy.

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