A significant winter storm is posing a threat to over 200 million Americans and has caused power outages in approximately 500,000 households, with temperatures expected to drop as low as -37C.
Extreme cold alerts have been issued throughout the United States, covering regions from New England to the Rocky Mountains in the west. A total of 37 states have felt the impact of the severe weather conditions.
Unusual heavy snowfall and ice have reached traditionally warmer areas such as Arkansas and Tennessee. Around 20 states have declared a state of emergency, and nine have mobilized the National Guard in anticipation of the potentially hazardous storm.
The National Weather Service has warned of significant ice buildup, leading to possible prolonged power failures, extensive tree damage, and highly perilous or impassable road conditions.
This severe weather has resulted in widespread disruptions to travel across the nation, with over 13,000 flights canceled in a single day, marking the highest number since the onset of the Covid pandemic.
Amid the crisis, frantic consumers have been observed rushing to hoard essential supplies, encountering empty store shelves.
In various locations, individuals were seen clearing snow from sidewalks, navigating icy roads in Dallas, walking along snow-covered streets in Kansas City, facing travel chaos at La Guardia Airport, witnessing snowfall around the Capitol in Washington DC, capturing images of ice formations on Lake Michigan in Chicago, and braving the elements to stock up on necessities.
