A Chilly Grip: A Nationwide Winter Storm's Impact
A vast winter storm swept across the United States, leaving a trail of icy conditions and power outages. This storm was no ordinary weather event; it stretched across an impressive 2,000 miles, from New Mexico to New England.
Widespread Impact
By Sunday morning, a staggering 213 million people were under some form of winter weather alert. The power outages were significant, with nearly 800,000 customers in the dark, and the numbers kept climbing.
States Affected
- Tennessee: Over a quarter of a million residents without power.
- Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi: Each with over 100,000 customers affected.
Aviation Industry Impact
The aviation industry felt the impact as well, with over 10,000 flights canceled and another 8,000 delayed. Major airports in Philadelphia, Washington, Raleigh-Durham, New York, and New Jersey were among the most affected.
Ongoing Dangers
Meteorologists warned that the bitter cold following the storm would slow down the melting process, complicating efforts to restore power and repair infrastructure.
Emergency Response
President Donald Trump approved emergency declarations for at least a dozen states by Saturday, with more expected to follow. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) took preemptive measures, positioning commodities, staff, and search and rescue teams in various states.
Local Impact
- Nashville: Ice accumulations reached half an inch or more, causing power lines to sag under the weight and tree limbs to crash down.
- Oxford, Mississippi: The situation was so dire that utility crews were pulled off the job overnight due to the dangerous conditions.
- North Georgia: Travel was hazardous due to icy roads. The Cherokee County Sheriff's office humorously posted on Facebook, "You know it's bad when Waffle House is closed! ! !" This remark highlighted the severity of the situation, as Waffle House is known for staying open during most weather events, serving as an informal gauge for disaster severity in the South.
