Winter Storm Strikes Eastern US, Resulting in 5 Deaths and Widespread Power Outages
A severe winter storm swept across the eastern United States on Monday, bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, and dangerous road conditions, causing significant disruptions and resulting in at least five deaths. The storm has affected millions, leading to widespread power outages, canceled flights, and hazardous travel conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that the storm could continue to impact the region with intense cold and potentially deadly weather.
As of Monday afternoon, over 175,000 people were without power, stretching from Missouri to Virginia. The storm, which initially brought blizzard conditions to the Midwest, has since moved eastward, impacting areas like Washington, D.C. Snow accumulations in Washington could reach up to a foot, causing the city to come to a standstill. Washington’s normally vibrant streets were covered with snow and slush, forcing schools to close and commuters to navigate treacherous conditions. In some areas, the storm dropped several inches of snow in just a few hours, while freezing rain added another layer of danger.
The impact on travel has been severe, with over 2,400 flights canceled and thousands more delayed, according to flight tracking services FlightAware. Many airports, particularly in the Midwest and East Coast, are grappling with cancellations due to snow accumulation and icy conditions on the runways. The widespread flight disruptions are causing chaos for holiday travelers who had hoped to return home or complete their winter plans.
Tragically, at least five people have lost their lives in storm-related incidents. In Missouri, two people died after being struck by sliding vehicles. These individuals had exited their vehicles following accidents but were hit by other out-of-control cars. In Kansas, two people died after their car spun out of control on a highway. Another person was killed in Kentucky when their vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer that had also lost control. The severity of the storm’s effects on roadways is clear, with authorities reporting over 1,000 stranded motorists and hundreds of crashes.
The NWS has issued warnings for widespread ice accumulation and high winds, with conditions particularly dangerous in the Appalachian region. The storm’s strong winds and heavy snow could lead to tree damage, further exacerbating the power outage issues. Additionally, extreme temperatures are expected, with some areas experiencing subzero temperatures that could reach as low as minus 18 degrees Celsius. The threat of hail and tornadoes is also present in the southeastern states, complicating the already hazardous weather conditions.
Governors in Kentucky, Missouri, Virginia, and Maryland have declared states of emergency as a result of the severe winter storm. Local authorities are urging residents to stay off the roads while emergency teams work to clear the snow and restore power. Scientists have increasingly pointed to climate change as a factor in the intensification of extreme weather events, making such storms more frequent and severe.
This winter storm is a stark reminder of the unpredictable and potentially deadly nature of extreme weather, particularly during the winter months. As communities in the eastern US recover from the storm’s impact, the ongoing cold front is expected to persist, potentially making conditions even more perilous in the coming days.
Refrence From: www.ndtv.com