A major winter storm is battering vast swaths of the United States, causing widespread disruptions affecting the lives of nearly 190 million people. The severe weather has left more than 730,000 homes and businesses without power, while air travel has been brought to a near standstill with over 9,600 flights canceled, in one of the worst storms to hit the country in years.

The storm spans a vast geographical area of ​​approximately 3,000 kilometers, stretching from New Mexico in the southwest to Maine in the far northeast. Southern states such as Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi were among the hardest hit in the storm's initial phase, with freezing rain and snow causing widespread power outages. The storm is now heading toward major population centers on the East Coast, including New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., threatening to exacerbate the crisis.

These severe winter storms occur within the context of well-known climatic phenomena, often linked to cold polar air currents pushing southward from the Arctic, a phenomenon sometimes known as the "polar vortex." When this extremely cold air mass meets warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, it creates ideal conditions for heavy snowfall and ice formation, transforming ordinary weather into an extreme weather event capable of paralyzing daily life in entire regions.

The storm's impact extends far beyond power outages and flight cancellations. Economically, it forces businesses and schools to close, disrupts supply chains, and inflicts heavy losses on airlines. Socially, power outages in freezing temperatures pose a significant health risk, particularly for the elderly, children, and those with chronic medical conditions. The storm also places immense strain on emergency services and infrastructure maintenance crews working around the clock to restore services and clear snow from major roads.

In response to the storm's severity, several states declared a state of emergency, allowing for the mobilization of additional resources, including the National Guard, to assist in rescue and relief efforts. Local authorities continue to issue warnings to residents, urging them to stay home, avoid unnecessary travel, stock up on emergency supplies such as food, water, and batteries, and check on the well-being of their neighbors, especially elderly individuals living alone.

Meteorologists confirm that the wave of bad weather will continue over the coming days, with heavy snow, freezing rain and strong winds expected to sweep across nearly two-thirds of the eastern regions of the country, meaning that the challenges facing the affected communities are not over yet, and the final tally of the impact of this powerful winter storm is still unfolding.

US authorities have declared a state of high alert as a major winter storm, described as one of the strongest this season, approaches, leading to the cancellation of more than 8,000 flights scheduled for the weekend. Severe weather warnings extend to approximately 140 million people, nearly half the country's population, from New Mexico in the south to New England in the northeast, with widespread transportation disruptions and potential power outages expected.

Background of winter storms in America

These widespread winter storms are a frequent occurrence in the United States, especially during the harsh winter months. These complex weather systems typically form when cold, dry polar air masses from the Arctic collide with warm, moist air masses from the Gulf of Mexico. This collision creates ideal conditions for heavy snowfall and ice formation, and the jet stream often drives these storms across vast swaths of the country, affecting dozens of states simultaneously and placing immense strain on infrastructure.

Storm details and weather forecast

The National Weather Service warned of widespread and heavy snowfall, with accumulations expected to reach 50.8 centimeters in the Appalachian Mountains and West Virginia. A band of dangerous ice also stretches from East Texas to North Carolina, making roads hazardous and travel nearly impossible. Brian Hurley, a meteorologist with the Weather Prediction Center, noted that nearly half of all Americans are under some form of weather warning. Major cities such as New York, Boston, and Baltimore are expected to receive between 10 and 25 centimeters of snow, accompanied by a sharp drop in temperatures that could reach as low as -14 degrees Celsius in Boston.

Expected effects and precautionary measures

The storm's impact extends beyond disrupting daily life, posing significant economic and logistical challenges. The cancellation of thousands of flights not only affects travelers but also paralyzes air cargo operations and disrupts supply chains. Regionally, highway closures and ice accumulation hinder emergency services, while power outages in freezing temperatures pose a real threat to residents' lives. Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency, and New York State activated its "Code Blue" alert to ensure shelter for the homeless. Internationally, the disruption of major US airports is causing chaos in the global aviation network, resulting in delays and cancellations worldwide.

Officials expect the storm to begin easing in most areas by late Sunday or early Monday, while continuing to urge citizens to exercise caution and follow the instructions of local authorities.