WASHINGTON: The powerful winter storm sweeping across the United States has brought daily life to a near standstill, raising serious concerns as the full scale of its impact continues to emerge.
The millions of Americans are facing extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and widespread disruption with authorities warning that the worst may not yet be over.
In this sense, at least 30 people have lost their lives in weather-related incidents linked to the storm, as per the preliminary reports. Fatalities have been recorded across multiple states, highlighting the severity of conditions that have turned routine travel and outdoor activity into life-threatening risks.
The storm has affected dozens of states, including Washington, New York, Texas, Oklahoma, and New Jersey. Strong icy winds, persistent snowfall, and freezing rain have paralyzed transport networks and forced closures across large parts of the country.
Furthermore, from Arkansas to New England, snowfall has exceeded one foot in many areas, while northern regions near Pittsburgh recorded up to 20 inches of snow.
The aviation sector has been hit particularly hard. In addition, more than 19,000 flights have been cancelled nationwide, leaving passengers stranded and airports struggling to manage the fallout.
In Washington, federal offices have been closed, underlining the seriousness of the situation even at the highest levels of government. In New York City, authorities confirmed that eight bodies were recovered from open areas, raising renewed concerns about exposure-related deaths amid the freezing conditions.
The storm has also triggered a major power crisis. Over one million people remain without electricity, while emergency measures have been imposed in 24 states. The National Weather Service has issued severe cold warnings for nearly 200 million people across 44 states, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and take protective measures.
