Washington: A powerful winter storm has gripped the United States, bringing severe snowfall, freezing rain, and dangerously low temperatures across large parts of the country. The massive snowstorm, stretching nearly 2,000 miles from Texas to Boston, is disrupting normal life across the eastern and central regions and is expected to intensify over the weekend.
The storm began strengthening from Friday evening (local time) and is affecting nearly two-thirds of US states, particularly those in the eastern corridor. Authorities have warned of major disruptions to power supply and transportation in states including Texas and Oklahoma. More than 800 flights were delayed or cancelled on Friday at major airports such as Dallas, Atlanta, and Oklahoma City, according to officials.
The National Weather Service warned that heavy snowfall and freezing rain could damage power lines, potentially leaving millions of homes without electricity. In parts of Minnesota and North Dakota, temperatures are forecast to plunge to as low as minus 46 degrees Celsius. In view of the severe conditions, states including Georgia and Mississippi have declared a state of emergency. Officials estimate that the storm could impact between 160 million and 230 million people across the country, prompting several state governors to issue emergency declarations.
Transportation networks have been severely affected by the extreme weather. In Michigan, poor visibility and icy roads led to a massive pile-up involving more than 100 vehicles near Hudsonville, close to Grand Rapids. The accident included over 30 trucks and semi-trailers. Several people sustained injuries, though no fatalities were reported. Police closed the highway in both directions and evacuated stranded motorists to a nearby high school.
Severe cold conditions have spread across multiple states, with weather warnings issued for heavy snowfall in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. Even typically warm Florida experienced snowfall, while freezing temperatures were reported in parts of Florida and Georgia, prompting authorities to issue public safety advisories.
Arctic winds have driven temperatures down to minus 45 degrees Celsius in some areas, creating life-threatening conditions where exposed skin can freeze within minutes. As a precaution, schools in cities such as Chicago and Des Moines were closed, and residents were advised to remain indoors unless travel was essential. Thousands of flights were cancelled nationwide, leaving passengers stranded at airports.
The storm is expected to have its most severe impact on northeastern cities, including New York, Washington DC, and Boston, where snowfall could reach up to one foot. Heavy snow accumulation has already caused tree branches to collapse onto power lines, cutting electricity to thousands of households. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and have urged residents to follow safety advisories.