An early thaw causes heavy ice damage and severe flooding along the riverbanks of New England

An early thaw after a period of extremely cold weather caused the breaking of ice dams and flooding in many parts of New England.  Albany, New York was cut off for a time as the moving icepack on the Hudson and its tributaries caused damage and severe flooding and the city itself was partially under water with destruction reported nearing the $200,000 mark.  No deaths or serious injuries were reported, however.  (By John Osborne)