A colossal winter storm is gripping the United States, unleashing chaos and paralyzing travel across a vast swathe of the nation. Over 10,000 flights have already been grounded, leaving millions of passengers stranded and disrupting journeys nationwide.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings stretching from New Mexico to New England, impacting more than 140 million people – over 40% of the US population. This isn’t a typical cold snap; it’s a potentially life-threatening event.
Temperatures are plummeting to dangerous levels, with the risk of frostbite setting in within a mere ten minutes. The Midwest faces a brutal chill, potentially dropping to a staggering minus 40 degrees Celsius, while Bismarck, North Dakota, could experience a wind chill of minus 41 degrees Celsius.
Forecasters warn that the combined impact of heavy snow and ice could rival the devastation caused by a hurricane. The storm’s intensity is prompting widespread concern and urgent preparation efforts.
Airports are bearing the brunt of the storm’s fury. Will Rogers International Airport in Oklahoma City completely suspended operations on Saturday, hoping for a resumption of flights by Sunday afternoon. FlightAware reports over 3,800 cancellations on Saturday alone, with nearly 7,000 more called off for Sunday.
The storm’s reach extends beyond travel disruptions. Celebrations, including Mardi Gras parades in Louisiana, have been cancelled or postponed, and over 95,000 homes and businesses are currently without power. Texas and Virginia are particularly affected, with tens of thousands facing the cold in the dark.
State governors are imploring residents to stay indoors, recognizing the potential for the weather to worsen in the coming days. The situation is described as “dangerously cold,” with warnings remaining in effect throughout the weekend and into Monday.
Snowfall is expected to reach up to 30 centimeters as the storm sweeps across major metropolitan areas, including Washington, New York, and Boston. The sheer volume of snow, combined with the frigid temperatures, presents a significant challenge.
Emergency services are mobilizing resources to cope with the crisis. FEMA has positioned over 7 million meals, 60,000 blankets, and 300 generators throughout the impacted regions, with 30 search and rescue teams standing by, ready to respond to those in need.
The approaching storm represents a serious threat to life and property, demanding vigilance and preparedness from communities across the nation. The focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of those in the path of this powerful winter system.
