Over 9,000 Flights Canceled in the U.S. Amid Major Winter Storm

In a severe winter storm that has hit the U.S., more than 9,000 flights have been canceled over the weekend as the storm is expected to continue wreaking havoc across the country. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for approximately 140 million people across regions from New Mexico to New England, predicting heavy snow, ice, and temperatures that could rival the damage caused by a hurricane.

The storm, which started in Texas, has already left more than 68,000 people without power, with the majority of outages in Texas. The storm is moving eastward, and areas like Washington, New York, and Boston are expected to receive over a foot of snow. Temperatures in parts of New York have dropped to as low as minus 29°F (-34°C), with wind chills as severe as minus 40°F (-40°C).

The storm has also disrupted travel, with nearly 6,000 flights canceled on Sunday alone, and 3,300 delayed or canceled on Saturday. Among those affected was Angela Exstrom, who had her flight from Houston to Omaha canceled, forcing her to reroute through Los Angeles.
 

Utility companies are bracing for further power outages as ice-coated trees and power lines continue to fall. In Bismarck, North Dakota, where the wind chill reached minus 41°F, workers like Colin Cross faced dangerous conditions while trying to carry out their jobs.

The federal government has activated nearly 30 search-and-rescue teams, and resources such as food, blankets, and generators have been placed in strategic locations. President Trump assured that FEMA was fully prepared to respond, echoing the preparedness efforts seen in the aftermath of a devastating cold snap in Texas five years ago.

The storm's impact has caused widespread closures. Churches have moved services online, Carnival parades in Louisiana have been rescheduled, and schools in several states, including Philadelphia and North Carolina, have been canceled for Monday. Some universities in the South have also canceled classes due to power outage concerns.

As the storm continues to move across the country, residents are being urged to stay home if possible and avoid unnecessary travel. With the heavy snow, ice, and plunging temperatures, the U.S. is facing one of its most severe winter weather events in recent years.
 

Source: Somoy International News