US winter storm leaves millions without power, 29 dead
What's the story
The United States of America is in the grips of a powerful winter storm that resulted in the deaths of at least 29 people and caused widespread disruptions. The storm has left hundreds of thousands without power, disrupted travel plans, and caused a historic ice storm in Mississippi. The National Weather Service reported that areas north of Pittsburgh received up to 50 centimeters of snow with wind chills dropping to minus 32 degrees Celsius on Monday.
Widespread effects
Storm's impact felt across multiple states
The storm has impacted several states, with deaths reported from Massachusetts, Ohio, Arkansas, Texas, Kansas, and New York City. In Mississippi, emergency crews are working to set up warming centers and distribute supplies as the state deals with its worst ice storm since 1994. Resident Tim Phillips described the damage in his area as "unreal," with falling tree limbs causing significant property damage.
Travel disruption
Air travel and power outages widespread
The storm has also wreaked havoc on air travel, with over 8,000 flights delayed or canceled across the country. This is the highest single-day total since the COVID-19 pandemic. Poweroutage.com reported over 670,000 power outages across the nation on Monday evening, mostly in the South due to freezing rain, causing tree limbs and power lines to snap.
Subzero temperatures
Brutal cold follows storm across Midwest, Northeast
The storm was followed by brutal cold, with much of the Midwest, South, and Northeast waking up to subzero temperatures. Former NOAA scientist Ryan Maue said this could be the coldest average low for the Lower 48 states since 2014. In Nashville, Tennessee, power was restored to thousands, but more than 170,000 remained without electricity overnight.