A significant winter storm wreaked havoc across the United States over the weekend, leading to the cancellation of thousands of flights and threatening widespread power outages and hazardous road conditions due to ice.
Approximately 180 million people were under a winter storm warning from New Mexico to New England. The U.S. National Weather Service issued forecasts of heavy snow and a dangerous band of ice extending from east Texas to North Carolina. By midday Saturday, reports indicated six millimetres of ice in parts of southeastern Oklahoma, eastern Texas, and portions of Louisiana.
Allison Santorelli, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, highlighted the prolonged cold following the storm, which will slow down the melting of snow and ice, complicating recovery efforts.
President Donald Trump approved emergency declarations for several states, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency deploying resources and search and rescue teams. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urged residents to stay home if possible to ensure safety.
In some southern states, crews worked to restore downed power lines as the storm caused significant damage. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill warned residents of an unprecedented storm and implemented travel restrictions and speed limits on highways.
The storm caused power outages in Louisiana and Texas, with thousands of customers affected. Shelby County, Texas, experienced severe tree damage due to ice, leading to widespread power outages.
The aviation industry also faced disruptions, with over 13,000 flights canceled over the weekend. Major airports, including Will Rogers International Airport and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, experienced significant flight cancellations. The storm’s impact on air travel was further exacerbated by cancellations in Chicago, Atlanta, Nashville, and Charlotte.
Georgia officials advised residents to stay off roads as they braced for a major ice storm, expected to be the most significant in over a decade. Crews treated highways with brine to prevent ice buildup, and the state deployed National Guard members to assist in the affected areas.
The storm was forecasted to move into the Northeast, bringing heavy snowfall. Officials across the country urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel to ensure their safety during the severe weather conditions.