Good morning and welcome to the US weather blog. I’m Tom Ambrose, and I will be bringing you all the latest news lines over the next few hours.
Widespread Winter Weather Ravages the Nation
The United States is enduring another intense bout of severe winter weather, as a succession of powerful weather systems sweeps across the country, delivering heavy snow, freezing rain, and extreme cold temperatures to vast regions.
Storm Warnings and Geographic Impact
Twenty-six states, stretching from Texas to Massachusetts, were placed under storm warnings issued by the National Weather Service over the weekend, with many alerts remaining in place this week. This extensive coverage highlights the broad reach of the hazardous conditions affecting millions of residents.
Heavy snow began falling in parts of north Texas and Oklahoma on Friday evening before pushing eastwards. By Sunday, swathes of the central and eastern US were experiencing either heavy snow or freezing rain, leading to widespread travel disruption. In parts of Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky, about 2.5cm (1 inch) of ice coated cars, roads, trees, and downed power lines, creating treacherous conditions.
Snowfall and Urban Impacts
Snow and freezing rain continued to track north-east into major cities including New York and Philadelphia, where some areas recorded significant accumulations of 30-50cm of snowfall. This has resulted in school closures, flight cancellations, and hazardous roadways, severely impacting daily life and commerce.
Power Outages and Fatalities
Power outages are expected to last several days in some regions, with more than 800,000 households without electricity as of Sunday night. The loss of power compounds the dangers of the extreme cold, particularly for vulnerable populations. Tragically, at least seven deaths have been linked to the severe conditions, underscoring the life-threatening nature of this weather event.
Extreme Cold and Unusual Hazards
Widespread intense cold is now spreading southwards, with lows of -20°C reported in parts of Texas. Forecasters have also warned of an unusual hazard associated with the deep freeze: “exploding” trees. Rapid freezing causes water and tree sap to expand inside tree trunks, sometimes producing loud cracking or explosive sounds as wood and bark split under pressure, posing additional risks to property and safety.
As the situation evolves, residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families from the ongoing severe weather.
