Washington: A severe winter storm affecting many regions of the United States has resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals and has caused significant disruptions, including flight cancellations, widespread power outages, and perilous travel conditions. Authorities have advised everyone to remain indoors as extremely cold temperatures persist across the nation.
The storm has unleashed heavy snowfall, sleet, and freezing rain across various states. Officials report that an Arctic air mass trailing the storm could maintain dangerously low temperatures for several days, exacerbating existing issues.
In New York, Mayor Zohran Mamdani indicated that five people were discovered deceased outdoors during the frigid weekend. Texas reported three fatalities, one of which involved a 16-year-old girl who suffered a fatal sledding accident. Louisiana also announced two deaths caused by hypothermia.
Power outages are impacting over 840,000 customers, predominantly in the southern states. Tennessee has seen over 300,000 outages, while Louisiana, Mississippi, and Georgia have each reported more than 100,000 households without power. Officials raised alarms that prolonged outages may be life-threatening given the extreme cold.
A total of 20 states and Washington DC have declared a state of emergency. Federal offices in Washington are closed, and heavy snowfall has blanketed roads and sidewalks. Major airports in Washington, Philadelphia, and New York have canceled nearly all flights, contributing to a nationwide total of over 19,000 cancellations since Saturday.
This severe weather event is linked to a stretched polar vortex, which has driven Arctic air into North America. Experts suggest that such extreme weather events might be amplified by climate change, even as natural factors play a role.
The National Weather Service has cautioned that wind chill factors could plummet below -50°F (-45°C) in certain areas, potentially causing frostbite in mere minutes. Officials nationwide have reiterated the importance of staying home and refraining from unnecessary travel.
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