Millions Left in the Dark as Winter Storm Brings Icy Conditions and Chaos
A powerful winter storm is wreaking havoc across the United States, leaving over a million people without power and causing treacherous travel conditions. The monster storm, which has been described as one of the most severe in recent history, has brought heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain to nearly 180 million people - more than half the U.S. population.Power Outages Widespread
According to PowerOutage.us, over a million customers were without power in the path of the winter storm on Sunday afternoon. The outages were reported across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky, with many areas experiencing widespread disruptions. 'The snow and ice will be very, very slow to melt and won't be going away anytime soon, and that's going to hinder any recovery efforts,' warned Allison Santorelli, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
Travel Conditions Deteriorate
The winter storm has brought treacherous travel conditions to many parts of the country. Icy roads and sidewalks have made it difficult for people to get around, while flights have been canceled and states of emergency declared in several areas. 'I think there are two parts of this storm that make it unique,' said Josh Weiss, a meteorologist at NOAA's Weather Prediction Center. 'One is just a broad expanse of spatial coverage of this event... You've got 2,000 miles of country that's being impacted by the storm with snow, sleet, and freezing rain.'
Forecasters Warn of Record Cold
The winter storm is expected to bring extreme cold temperatures to many areas, with forecasters warning of record-breaking lows. 'We're looking at extreme cold, record cold,' said Weiss. The damage from the storm could rival that of a hurricane, especially in areas pounded by ice. President Trump has approved emergency declarations for at least a dozen states, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has pre-positioned supplies, staff, and search and rescue teams in numerous states.
As the winter storm continues to bring chaos and destruction across the United States, it's clear that this is one of the most severe weather events in recent history. With over a million people without power and treacherous travel conditions, it's essential for residents to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the latest developments.
