US Snowstorm Cuts Power to Thousands Nationwide
A severe winter storm is sweeping across the southern and eastern regions of the United States, leading to widespread power outages and flight cancellations. Over 100,000 individuals are currently facing power disruptions, with Texas being profoundly affected. The state accounts for more than half of these outages, while Louisiana and New Mexico report around 20,000 and 10,000 outages, respectively.
Impact of the Winter Storm
Weekend travel plans have been heavily disrupted, as more than 12,000 flights have been canceled and an additional 14,000 delayed. This has left many passengers stranded at airports nationwide. Currently, over 40% of the U.S. is under a winter storm warning.
Authorities Respond
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm watches for various regions from Friday through Monday. In response to the situation, President Joe Biden has declared emergencies in South Carolina and Virginia. “With the help of FEMA and our state partners, we will ensure safety and provide necessary support,” he stated.
Utility Companies on Alert
As Winter Storm Fern moves east, power companies are preparing for the possibility of severe weather, including snow, freezing rain, and sleet. Helicopters and line crews are being deployed to assess damage and implement repairs swiftly. Georgia Power has advised customers to prepare for potential outages lasting two to three days.
- Texas: Over 50,000 outages
- Louisiana: Approximately 20,000 outages
- New Mexico: About 10,000 outages
Emergency Declarations and State Responses
Governors in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia have all declared states of emergency. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has ordered grid operators to prepare at least 35 gigawatts of backup generation to mitigate the risk of blackouts. Notably, power outages cost the United States an estimated $44 billion last year.
Comparisons with Past Storms
Comparisons are being drawn between Winter Storm Fern and Winter Storm Uri, which resulted in extensive blackouts and fatalities in Texas back in 2021. Current forecasts predict temperatures plunging to the low teens and even single digits Fahrenheit, with wind-chill conditions dropping as low as minus 10 degrees.
Preparedness and Challenges
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has stated it is prepared for the upcoming storm. They emphasize that current preparations are stronger than those during the 2021 crisis due to efforts to winterize the grid. However, there remain concerns regarding the vulnerability of natural gas production during severe cold.
Natural gas prices have surged, trading around $28 in Louisiana and reaching as high as $100 along the East Coast. In stark contrast to the $1,000 prices experienced during Uri, market conditions have improved.
Commercial and Retail Impacts
Retail companies like Amazon and Door Dash are adjusting their delivery operations while prioritizing worker safety. Unfortunately, at least 21 Walmart locations have temporarily closed due to the severe weather conditions.
