Major Winter Storm Claims at Least 11 Lives in the United States
A significant winter storm swept across much of the United States, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 11 lives. The storm left over a million households without power and grounded thousands of flights. An arctic air mass is expected to drop temperatures to dangerously low levels in the coming days.
Emergency Declaration Due to Severe Conditions
The President has declared a state of emergency in approximately 20 states, including Washington, D.C. Meteorologists have labeled this event as one of the worst winter storms in recent decades, characterized by severe cold, heavy snowfall, and ice accumulation that could have catastrophic consequences.
Impact on Lives and Safety Concerns
- Five people died in New York City over the weekend due to extreme cold conditions.
- In Texas, three fatalities were reported, including a 16-year-old girl involved in a sledding accident.
- Two individuals died from hypothermia in Louisiana.
- Additionally, one fatality and two injuries occurred in Iowa due to weather-related traffic incidents.
As of Monday morning, around 820,000 customers remained without electricity, primarily in the southern regions of the country. Tennessee alone reported over 250,000 without power, while 100,000 were in the dark in Louisiana and Mississippi. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors due to hazardous conditions.
Travel Disruptions and Airport Closures
The winter storm also severely disrupted air travel. Major airports in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York faced significant shutdowns. More than 19,000 flights were canceled since Saturday, with thousands more delayed, according to FlightAware.
Weather patterns and their implications
The storm’s development is linked to a deformation of the polar vortex, a phenomenon that is slowly moving southward. Scientists are debating if the increasing frequency of such events is connected to climate change, although natural variability plays a role as well.
Authorities have warned of potentially life-threatening cold conditions that could persist for a week following the storm. Regions, particularly in the Northern Great Plains, may experience wind chills as low as -45°F. Such extreme temperatures can lead to frostbite in mere minutes.
Public Safety and Recommendations
State emergency management agencies are advising citizens to avoid non-essential travel. This warning includes directives from Texas officials to limit road usage unless absolutely necessary. Residents are encouraged to monitor local advisories and prepare for continued adverse conditions.
