Winter Storm Brings Chaos to US Travel and Daily Life
Over the weekend, a massive winter storm swept across the United States, leaving thousands of flights grounded, millions without power, and many communities bracing for days of hazardous weather.
The National Weather Service warned of widespread heavy snow and catastrophic ice stretching from east Texas to North Carolina, affecting roughly 140 million people, or more than 40% of the US population. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) put nearly 30 search and rescue teams on standby as governments prepared for the worst.
As the storm intensified, air travel came to a grinding halt with over 3,400 flights canceled on Saturday and nearly 6,200 scheduled for Sunday. Angela Exstrom, a traveler from Houston bound for Omaha, Nebraska, was forced to change her flight plans after her original departure was canceled.
"It's happening!" said the Texas Department of Transportation in a social media post, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as the storm moves through North Texas. In Little Rock, Arkansas, snow blanketed the city, while ice formed on roads and bridges in parts of Mississippi.
Forecasters predicted that damage from the storm could rival that of a hurricane, with wind chills reaching minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas. The Midwest was particularly hard hit, with temperatures plummeting to historic lows and wind chills making it difficult for people to venture outside.
Utility companies were bracing for power outages as ice-coated trees and power lines became more susceptible to snapping, especially if it's windy. In at least 11 Southern states from Texas to Virginia, a majority of homes are heated by electricity, leaving millions without alternative heat sources.
Churches moved Sunday services online, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville canceled its Saturday night performance, and Mardi Gras parades were either canceled or rescheduled. Philadelphia announced that schools would be closed on Monday, while some universities in the South canceled classes for the day.
As the storm subsides, it will take time to thaw out. The Federal government is coordinating with state and local officials to respond to the crisis, but residents are advised to remain vigilant as the road to recovery begins.
Over the weekend, a massive winter storm swept across the United States, leaving thousands of flights grounded, millions without power, and many communities bracing for days of hazardous weather.
The National Weather Service warned of widespread heavy snow and catastrophic ice stretching from east Texas to North Carolina, affecting roughly 140 million people, or more than 40% of the US population. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) put nearly 30 search and rescue teams on standby as governments prepared for the worst.
As the storm intensified, air travel came to a grinding halt with over 3,400 flights canceled on Saturday and nearly 6,200 scheduled for Sunday. Angela Exstrom, a traveler from Houston bound for Omaha, Nebraska, was forced to change her flight plans after her original departure was canceled.
"It's happening!" said the Texas Department of Transportation in a social media post, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as the storm moves through North Texas. In Little Rock, Arkansas, snow blanketed the city, while ice formed on roads and bridges in parts of Mississippi.
Forecasters predicted that damage from the storm could rival that of a hurricane, with wind chills reaching minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas. The Midwest was particularly hard hit, with temperatures plummeting to historic lows and wind chills making it difficult for people to venture outside.
Utility companies were bracing for power outages as ice-coated trees and power lines became more susceptible to snapping, especially if it's windy. In at least 11 Southern states from Texas to Virginia, a majority of homes are heated by electricity, leaving millions without alternative heat sources.
Churches moved Sunday services online, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville canceled its Saturday night performance, and Mardi Gras parades were either canceled or rescheduled. Philadelphia announced that schools would be closed on Monday, while some universities in the South canceled classes for the day.
As the storm subsides, it will take time to thaw out. The Federal government is coordinating with state and local officials to respond to the crisis, but residents are advised to remain vigilant as the road to recovery begins.
this is so crazy what's going on in the US! thousands of flights grounded and millions without power? 
that's a lot of people stuck at home. i feel bad for all those travelers who had their plans ruined. 
and the roads are getting super slippery... i hope everyone stays safe out there 
also, can you imagine no heat or hot water at home? 
that's like, a total disaster zone 
️, I know it's so frustrating when your plans get canceled like that! 
Like, who really enjoys being cooped up on a plane with no sleep and stale snacks?! Not me, that's for sure 
. And, I'm sure the storm was super scary, but at least everyone is safe, right? 
So, let's focus on the positives, like how great it looks outside 
hope everyone stays safe & warm 
gotta feel 4 them travelers whose flights got canceled 
anyway lets send some love 2 all those in need 
this storm is like a real-life game of survival. 140 million people affected? that's crazy! 
gotta give props to all the emergency responders and utility crews working overtime to keep us safe 
gotta feel for all those ppl stuck without power or stranded at airports, hope everyone stays safe and warm during this mess 
cant believe they're predicting damage similar to a hurricane, that's wild 
i wonder if the government will need to activate any emergency funds to help with the recovery process 
Also, how did 3,400 flights get canceled on one day? That's insane! Where is all this money going? And what about the people who lost their homes or are stuck without power? We should be getting more info from the government on how they're gonna help these folks out. 
just imagine having to cancel a flight 3 times already! The snow in Little Rock looked so fluffy 
. Schools closing and Mardi Gras parades getting canceled too? It sounds like a big mess! 
. my friend's dog even got stuck in the snow 
