A powerful winter storm has unleashed chaos across the United States, causing widespread flight cancellations and power outages. More than 4,000 flights were grounded as of Saturday evening, with over 9,000 more cancellations expected for Sunday. The storm has already left a trail of disruption, cutting power to over 100,000 customers in states as far west as Texas and threatening to paralyze the eastern seaboard with heavy snowfall and freezing rain. Forecasters warn of record-low temperatures and dangerous wind chills, with the storm's impact expected to last for days.
President Donald Trump declared a federal emergency, affecting 17 states and the District of Columbia. The Department of Homeland Security reported tens of thousands of people without power in southern states, with utility crews working tirelessly to restore services. As of 6:30 p.m. ET, over 130,000 customers were without electricity, primarily in Texas and Louisiana, according to PowerOutage.com.
The US National Weather Service issued a stark warning, describing the storm as unusually expansive and long-lasting, with the potential for 'crippling to locally catastrophic impacts.' They predict heavy ice accumulation in the southeast, leading to power outages and travel disruptions. Major airlines have advised passengers to brace for sudden flight changes and cancellations, as Delta Air and JetBlue have already made significant adjustments to their schedules.
Electric grid operators are taking precautions to prevent rotating blackouts, and Dominion Energy, which operates in Virginia, is preparing for one of the largest winter events in its history. The storm's impact is expected to extend beyond the south, with Georgia's northern regions bracing for the state's biggest ice storm in over a decade, followed by record-low temperatures. Officials urge residents to stay off the roads and prepare for potential power outages.
In the Midwest, wind chills dropped to -40°C, posing a risk of frostbite within 10 minutes. The extreme cold wave in Minneapolis, with temperatures reaching -21°C, prompted protests against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. As the storm moves northward, authorities and residents alike are preparing for the challenges it will bring, emphasizing the need for caution and preparedness.
