Summary Box: Unemployment benefits up due to snow

LAYOFFS LEAP: The number of people applying for unemployment benefits rose last week, but the figures were largely distorted by rare snowstorms that hit the Southeast.

BLAME IT ON THE SNOW: Harsh weather in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina forced companies to shut down temporarily. It also prevented people from applying for benefits in the previous week. When people were able to file applications, the number of requests rose sharply.

OUTLOOK: Economists are optimistic that layoffs will slow this year.