A blizzard has wreaked havoc in the United States. Normal life has been severely disrupted by the storm, impacting air traffic. So far, 30 people have died due to the blizzard.
America Winter Storm: The effects of a severe winter storm that hit large parts of the US on Monday have left the country in the grip of cold and snow. Heavy snowfall in the Northeast and a layer of ice caused by freezing rain in the southern states left millions shivering in the cold without electricity. According to reports from various states, the death toll related to this storm has reached at least 30.
Normal life was affected
The storm affected an area of about 2,100 kilometers from Arkansas to New England, leaving snow more than a foot deep in many places. This paralyzed traffic, canceled thousands of flights and led to widespread school closures on Monday. According to the National Weather Service (NSW), up to 20 inches of snow fell north of Pittsburgh, while temperatures dropped to minus 31 degrees Celsius from Monday night to Tuesday. In New York City, Central Park recorded 11 inches of snow, the most in several years.
People are dying
The deaths include two people struck by snowplows in Massachusetts and Ohio. Deaths were also reported in sledding accidents in Arkansas and Texas. In Kansas, the body of a 28-year-old woman was found buried in snow with the help of bloodhound dogs. Eight people were found dead outside during the cold in New York City. Deaths have also been reported in Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and other states.
Power crisis and dire situation
According to poweroutage.com, more than 750,000 homes and businesses nationwide were without power as of Monday afternoon, most of them in southern states. Freezing rain downed tree branches and power lines, especially in northern Mississippi and Tennessee. Mississippi is considered the worst snowstorm since 1994. Cots, blankets, water, and generators are being delivered to warming stations in affected areas. The University of Mississippi has canceled classes for the entire week at its Oxford campus because of the snow cover. Oxford Mayor Robin Tannehill wrote on social media that so many trees, branches, and power lines were downed that “every street looked like a tornado had hit.”
The cold wave continues
The storm is causing severe cold. Temperatures have dropped below zero in the Midwest, South and Northeast. The average minimum temperature across the lower 48 states is expected to drop to minus 12.3°C. Ryan Mau, a former scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said that only the record heat in Florida is preventing the national average from falling further. According to flightaware.com, more than 8,000 flights were affected across the country on Monday. According to aviation firm Cirium, 45 percent of US flights were cancelled on Sunday.
