A powerful winter storm has brought large parts of the United States to a halt on Sunday as snow, ice and extreme cold shut down airports, cut electricity supplies and left millions under weather alerts. The storm moved from the Ohio Valley and mid-South towards New England, bringing heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain, Reuters said. Winter storm warnings were issued for most of the eastern US. About 118 million people were covered by these alerts.
Areas across east of the Rocky Mountains are also experiencing Cold Arctic weather. Nearly 157 million Americans were told to take care because of freezing temperatures. In areas near Canada, temperatures dropped below zero. Even southern regions close to the Gulf of Mexico stayed below freezing.
In parts of the northern Plains, the wind chill levels went down to minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit as reported by, National Weather Service. The Strong winds made the cold feel worse.
Snowfall was heavy in many states. Parts of Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania received close to one foot or more since Friday.
National Guard troops were deployed in New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley to help emergency teams, stated by Kathy Hochul, New York Governor.
FlightAware data showed has shown that more than 11,000 US flights scheduled for Sunday were cancelled. Ronald Reagan National Airport in northern Virginia, near Washington DC, was almost closed and in New York, Philadelphia and Charlotte, North Carolina, at least 80 percent of flights were cancelled.
Power outages were reported in different parts of the southern US. Freezing rain left thick ice on the trees and power lines, nnd nearly an inch in some places in some places. Tree branches fell and power lines were also damaged, leaving many homes without electricity.
The conditions may remain difficult,The Weather officials warned and advised people to avoid travel if not necessary. This storm is among the worst winter weather events this season.
Source: Reuters