Post by : Badri Ariffin

Washington: A severe winter storm has swept through extensive areas of the United States, resulting in at least 10 fatalities and widespread disruptions. This has included numerous flight cancellations, extensive power outages, and treacherous travel conditions. Authorities urge residents to remain indoors due to the ongoing extreme cold.

The storm has delivered heavy snowfall, sleet, and freezing rain to many states. Officials indicate that an Arctic air mass trailing the storm may maintain dangerously low temperatures for several days, exacerbating the challenges.

In New York, Mayor Zohran Mamdani reported that five individuals were discovered deceased outdoors amid the bitter weekend conditions. In Texas, three fatalities were recorded, among them a 16-year-old girl who tragically died in a sledding incident. Additionally, Louisiana authorities confirmed two deaths attributed to hypothermia.

Power outages have impacted over 840,000 customers, especially in southern states. Tennessee saw over 300,000 outages, while Louisiana, Mississippi, and Georgia reported over 100,000 customers without power. Officials have cautioned that prolonged outages present life-threatening risks due to the severe cold.

At least 20 states along with Washington DC have declared emergencies. Federal offices in Washington are closed, and heavy snowfall has blanketed roads and sidewalks. Major airports in Washington, Philadelphia, and New York have canceled nearly all flights, contributing to over 19,000 flight cancellations nationwide since Saturday.

This storm is correlated with a stretched polar vortex, which is funneling Arctic air into North America. Experts note that while climate change may influence such extreme weather phenomena, natural factors also contribute.

The National Weather Service has alerted that wind chill temperatures could plunge below -50°F (-45°C) in various regions, with the potential for frostbite occurring within minutes. Authorities nationwide are advising residents to remain home and to avoid any unnecessary travel.

#Global News