Deadly Winter Storm Grips US with Over 30 Fatalities and Widespread Disruption
A devastating winter storm has swept across the United States, resulting in more than 30 deaths and leaving hundreds of thousands without power as freezing temperatures persist. The severe weather, which brought heavy snow and ice from the north-east to the south, has caused significant travel chaos, school closures, and life-threatening conditions.
Power Outages and Freezing Conditions Continue
On Tuesday morning, nearly 550,000 households and businesses were experiencing power outages, with the southern states, including Mississippi and Tennessee, hit particularly hard. Officials have warned that it could take several days to restore electricity in some areas, as fallen tree limbs and snapped power lines continue to pose challenges.
The National Weather Service reported that areas north of Pittsburgh received up to 20 inches of snow, with wind chills plunging as low as -25°F (-32°C). A fresh influx of Arctic air is expected to maintain these freezing temperatures, and forecasters have indicated the possibility of another winter storm affecting the east coast this weekend.
Travel and Infrastructure Severely Impacted
The storm has led to over 14,000 flight delays or cancellations nationwide, with Sunday seeing the highest number of cancellations since the Covid-19 pandemic. Major hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport were severely affected, causing widespread disruptions beyond the immediate storm area.
In New York City, public schools were closed, but approximately 500,000 students were required to participate in online lessons, reflecting a shift away from traditional snow days due to remote learning practices established during the pandemic.
Human Toll and Emergency Responses
The rising death toll includes tragic incidents such as fatalities from snowplow accidents in Massachusetts and Ohio, sledding accidents in Arkansas and Texas, and individuals found dead outdoors in New York City and Kansas. In Mississippi, officials are distributing cots, blankets, and generators to warming stations in response to the state's worst ice storm since 1994.
At the University of Mississippi, classes have been canceled for the entire week as the Oxford campus remains coated in ice, with local authorities describing widespread damage to trees and power lines that resembles tornado aftermath.
Community Resilience and Ongoing Challenges
Residents in affected areas, such as Nashville, Tennessee, are facing prolonged power outages, with many seeking refuge in hotels to escape dark and frigid homes. Stories like that of Alex Murray, who booked a hotel to preserve breast milk for his infant daughter, highlight the personal struggles amid the crisis.
As communities across the midwest, south, and north-east awaken to subzero weather, the contiguous United States is experiencing its coldest average low temperature since January 2014, underscoring the storm's severe and lasting impact.
