NEW YORK: A massive and dangerous blizzard has plunged large parts of the United States US into a state of emergency, causing widespread travel chaos, power outages, and life-threatening conditions. Authorities have declared emergencies in 18 states, with the National Guard activated in nine, as the colossal winter storm barrels across the country.
The extreme weather system, characterized by severe Arctic winds and record-breaking cold, has already led to the cancellation of more than 10,000 flights nationwide, stranding travelers and paralyzing air traffic. On the ground, the situation is equally dire, with over 84,000 customers reported to be without electricity as heavy snow and ice weigh down power lines.
Meteorologists warn that the storm’s impact is vast, with an estimated 200 million people in its path. Major cities along the East Coast, including New York, Philadelphia, and Boston, are bracing for significant snowfall. The deep freeze has been so intense that it has frozen over sections of the Great Lakes, with Lake Michigan’s surface iced over and Lake Erie also covered.
In response to the escalating crisis, New York’s Mayor has issued a stark directive, urging all citizens to stay home and avoid travel. The focus is squarely on public safety and enabling emergency and road clearance crews to operate unimpeded.
From the federal level, coordination efforts are underway. US President Donald Trump addressed the nation, stating his administration is working closely with state agencies to ensure citizen safety. “We are in constant contact with all states affected by the storm,” the President said, emphasizing a unified government response to the historic blizzard that continues to test the infrastructure and resilience of communities across the continent. Residents are advised to heed all local warnings as the severe conditions persist.
