Blizzard destroys more than everyone's good mood

I had no idea that falling limbs could be so dangerous, most likely because I never really thought about it until the recent news story of the man killed in Central Park by a heavy branch. The recent blizzard forced the Brooklyn Botanical Garden to close for a few days because a similar risk.


http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2010/03/05/2010-03-05_when_bough_breaks_botanic_garden_loses_prized_tree_in_storm.html

(Also, judging from that picture, the botanical garden stays pretty green year-round - another surprising fact! I've never been to the garden... but now that I know I can get a much-needed glimpse of some green, I'm considering stopping by tomorrow.)

Anyone have any thoughts on the dangers of too much snowfall? Do New Yorkers normally consider such things, or do we only think of it as an irritating inconvenience? I know I was among the latter until recently.