In 24 states of the USA, a state of emergency has been declared due to a storm that has brought heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. Nearly a million people are without electricity, and transportation links are disrupted in the eastern part of the country, reports BBC.
More than 10,000 flights were canceled on Sunday, and over 930 flights were delayed due to adverse weather conditions.
A platform tracking power outages in the USA reports that more than 1 million users are without power, especially in southern states such as Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.
Snowfall is expected over a vast area covering the Ohio River Valley and the northeast of the country. In the south, ice accumulation is causing power line breaks and tree damage.
Local residents in northern Texas report that the streets have become extremely slippery.
Authorities in 24 states, including Arkansas, Georgia, Texas, North and South Carolina, have declared a state of emergency in preparation for potential recovery efforts after the storm.
Forecasters report that snowfall will continue on Sunday and into Monday night, after which a period of severe cold, freezing rain, and gusty winds will begin, creating additional challenges for rescue services.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warns: “Snow and sleet will continue into next week, and refreezing will make roads and sidewalks slippery and dangerous for travel.”
It is expected that more than 200 million Americans will face the consequences of this anomalous storm.
According to the National Weather Service, the storm will affect much of the country and lead to significant destruction.
Transportation agencies in the USA, including airport administrations in major cities, are warning of a potential collapse of the transportation system.
Store shelves are rapidly emptying as residents prepare for the possibility of being isolated for several days.
Forecasts suggest that more than 30 cm of snow may fall in regions from Colorado to West Virginia and Boston.
In some parts of northeastern New Jersey and southeastern New York, including New York City itself, between 25 and 36 cm of snow is predicted. Snowfall is also observed in Memphis, Nashville, Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia.
“By Monday morning, the heaviest precipitation will have passed, although rain may continue throughout the day,” said New York Mayor Zohra Mamdani.
She also added that in addition to heavy snow, residents of the city should expect “significant cold.”
“This storm will bring not only snow. We will face a prolonged period of low temperatures that will last throughout the next week,” noted Mamdani.
Over the weekend, thousands of public works employees, 700 salt-spreading trucks, and more than two thousand snowplows were deployed in the city, Mamdani reported.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp ordered that state employees living and working in the northern part of the state who are not involved in storm recovery efforts work from home until Tuesday.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger urged residents to prepare for the impending storm, which has already affected many areas of the state.
“Please use the last hours to prepare: make sure you have blankets, warmth, and food supplies to weather this storm,” she addressed the public. “Every resident of Virginia should refrain from traveling at least until Monday morning.”
President Donald Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social on Saturday: “We will monitor the situation and stay in touch with all states affected by the storm. Take care of yourselves and don’t freeze!”
Meanwhile, Canada is also experiencing low temperatures, and snowfall is expected in the eastern and Atlantic regions on Monday.
