US storm cuts power to hundreds of thousands of homes and grounds flights | US weather
A massive winter storm is poised to disrupt travel and daily life across a large swath of the United States, leaving over 700,000 homes and businesses without power as of Sunday morning. More than 9,600 flights scheduled for Sunday had already been cancelled, adding to over 4,000 cancellations on Saturday, with another 1,800 expected on Monday.
Widespread Disruptions Expected
The storm threatens to bring snow, sleet, freezing rain, and dangerously cold temperatures to the eastern two-thirds of the nation. The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts up to 18 inches of snow in New England and up to half an inch of freezing rain across parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Ohio/Tennessee Valleys.
Impact on Travel
Major airlines, including Delta and JetBlue, have already begun adjusting schedules and cancelling flights. Delta is relocating experts from cold-weather hubs to support de-icing efforts in the South. JetBlue had cancelled approximately 1,000 flights through Monday as of Saturday morning, and United Airlines has also cancelled flights in areas expected to be hardest hit.
Power Outages and Emergency Declarations
As of 6:30 am EST on Sunday, more than 700,000 US customers were experiencing power outages, with nearly 250,000 in Tennessee alone. Significant outages were also reported in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. In response to the escalating situation, federal emergency disaster declarations have been approved for seventeen states and the District of Columbia: South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, and West Virginia.
Grid Operators Prepare
US electric grid operators are taking steps to prevent widespread blackouts. The Department of Energy issued emergency orders authorizing the Electric Reliability Council of Texas and PJM Interconnection to deploy backup generation resources, even if it means overriding certain state laws or environmental permits.
Potential for Severe Conditions
The NWS warns of an unusually expansive and long-duration storm, with the potential for “crippling to locally catastrophic impacts” due to heavy ice accumulation in the Southeast. Record low temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills are predicted to extend into the Great Plains region by Monday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What states are under a weather emergency?
Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have declared weather emergencies: South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, and West Virginia.
How many flights have been cancelled?
More than 9,600 US flights scheduled for Sunday had been cancelled, with over 4,000 cancelled on Saturday and over 1,800 reported for Monday.
What areas are expected to receive the most snow and ice?
The NWS forecasts up to 18 inches of snow in New England and up to 0.50 inches of freezing rain over parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Ohio/Tennessee Valleys. Almost three-quarter inch of ice accumulation was reported near Hall Summit, Louisiana.
As the storm progresses, will communities be able to effectively manage the challenges posed by power outages, hazardous travel conditions, and extreme cold?