The storm grounded hundreds of flights and forced the closing of schools and businesses from Kentucky to Quebec. Many of those stuck at home had no heat or lights because of blackouts that affected more than a quarter-million customers.

The Niagara, Hamilton and Halton regions were caught in the eye of the storm and some locales were expecting up to 70 centimetres of snow. The higher snowfall amount was largely due to a steady stream of lake-effect snow squalls since Tuesday.

The storm's cold, snow, sleet and rain made life difficult for Valentine's Day messengers.

The storm was a convenient excuse for husbands and boyfriends who forgot to send flowers.

Some delivery drivers got stuck on the roads. Flowers delivered to offices were turned away because the businesses were closed. And customers had to change their orders to have flowers delivered to homes instead of places of work. Continued...