A dangerous winter storm swept through the northern United States on Friday, bringing blinding snow, freezing rain, and bitter cold temperatures to several states. This massive storm added to a week of extreme winter weather that has led to deadly avalanches and treacherous ice-covered roads. Flight cancellations were widespread, with over 2,000 flights cancelled and more than 7,000 experiencing delays, according to the flight-tracking website FlightAware. The storm also caused several deaths, including a man who died in an avalanche in Idaho and another man found dead in the suburbs of Chicago due to cold exposure.
The intensity of the storm prompted blizzard warnings in some areas, leading to concerns of power outages in Michigan. The bitter cold also raised worries for the homeless population in Chicago, with dozens taking shelter in warming buses. Meanwhile, in the South, severe storms with winds reaching 70mph stretched across Mississippi, and Arctic air was expected to arrive over the weekend. Texas Governor Greg Abbott warned residents to prepare for the cold and ice, though assuring them it would not be as severe as the winter storm in February 2021 that caused power outages for millions of Texans.
The storm also impacted Montana, where temperatures dropped as low as -28F (-33C), creating challenges for ranchers to ensure their cattle’s survival in the frigid conditions. The storm also led to flooding in the north-east, and emergency responders in Paterson, New Jersey, helped evacuate residents as the Passaic River overflowed its banks.
Other areas of concern included the unhoused population in Portland, Oregon, where individuals sought shelter in preparation for the impending bitter cold. These widespread and severe weather conditions across various regions illustrate the significant impact of the winter storm on numerous communities.
Despite the challenges posed by the storm, communities across the affected states have mobilized to support vulnerable populations and mitigate the impact of the extreme weather. As the storm continues to unfold, residents are urged to take precautions and prepare for potential power outages and transportation disruptions. The widespread and varied impacts of the winter storm highlight the resilience and solidarity of communities in facing such challenging weather events.