Unprecedented? This happens all the time. It is called a major winter storm and they happen every year. It is also a cautionary tale. If you rely on cell phones for communication, you may find yourself in big trouble when the cell phones no longer work. Get a two way radio. At least a FRS or CB radio, but better off with an amateur radio license so you can use the many repeater sites and HF if you are truly stuck someplace that is remote.