Key Highlights
- A major winter storm hits parts of the US, causing at least 20 deaths.
- Millions are left without power and hundreds of flights have been cancelled or delayed.
- The cold temperatures persist across much of the eastern United States with potential for another significant winter storm this weekend.
The Deadly Winter Storm: A National Crisis
A massive winter storm has brought severe weather to large parts of the United States, resulting in at least 20 deaths. The toll includes eight fatalities reported in New York since Friday, with additional deaths recorded in Tennessee, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Kansas, and Pennsylvania. In Texas, a 16-year-old girl lost her life in a sledding accident according to local police.
Impact on Daily Life
The storm has caused widespread disruption, with more than 10,000 flights cancelled or delayed as hundreds of thousands of people have been left without power. Our map shows the extent of snowfall affecting various regions. In Ohio, one man reported, “Columbus has ground to a halt,” highlighting the impact on daily life. A woman in Tennessee faced tough conditions with no heating and no internet, while managing four teenagers at home.
Forecast and Future Concerns
The National Weather Service predicts that freezing temperatures will persist across much of the eastern United States throughout the week. They also warn of a “deep freeze” expected in several states. While snowfall is projected to ease, particularly by Tuesday, it may be confined mainly to the far east of Canada.
Kentucky Governor Andrew Beshear noted that while the storm system had largely moved on from his state, he cautioned that people should remain vigilant due to the ongoing cold.
The weather service also hinted at potential for another significant winter storm impacting the eastern United States this coming weekend but stressed that details were still too early to determine. As cities and states grapple with the aftermath of the current storm, residents are being advised to prepare for continued icy conditions and potential further disruptions.
