Winter Storms Cause Deaths and Disruptions Across Eastern North America
A powerful winter storm has swept across the eastern United States, resulting in at least 49 fatalities over the past week. The cold weather has impacted a vast region, stretching from New Mexico to New England, covering approximately 2,000 miles (3,200 km). At its peak, around 213 million people were under winter weather warnings, with authorities urging millions to stay indoors to ensure safety.
Widespread Power Outages and Ongoing Challenges
The storm has led to significant power disruptions, leaving more than a million people without electricity at one point. As of Wednesday night, 312,000 outages persisted, primarily affecting states such as Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. These outages have compounded the difficulties faced by residents navigating icy conditions and hazardous travel.
Record Snowfall in Canada and Further Warnings
The storm extended into eastern Canada, where Toronto's Pearson airport set a new record for the most snow in a single day, with 46cm (18.1 inches) of accumulation. Downtown Toronto experienced even heavier snowfall, recording 56cm (22 inches) on Sunday. Looking ahead, additional winter storm watches and warnings have been issued for parts of the US later this week, with forecasts predicting heavy snow accumulations of 10-20cm (4-8 inches) in areas including North Carolina, east Tennessee, upstate South Carolina, Virginia, and north-east Georgia between Friday and Sunday afternoons.
Storm Kirstin Impacts Portugal with Severe Weather
In Europe, parts of central and northern Portugal were hit by Storm Kirstin, bringing heavy rain and strong winds that resulted in over 3,000 weather-related incidents and five deaths. A peak wind gust of 110mph (178kph) was recorded at Monte Real airbase in Leiria, leading to flooding, landslides, and widespread damage. On Wednesday, ten coastal areas were placed under a red weather warning due to dangerous sea conditions, with waves expected to reach up to 14 metres in height.
Record Heatwaves and Fire Dangers in South-Eastern Australia
Meanwhile, south-eastern Australia is grappling with extreme heatwaves that have shattered temperature records this week. In the southern states of Victoria and South Australia, temperatures soared to 48.5°C on Sunday, with towns in north-west Victoria reaching a high of 48.9°C, breaking the state's previous record. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued warnings of "extreme fire dangers" as the hot, dry conditions combine with strong winds, heightening the risk of wildfires.
Emergency Responses and Evacuations
Firefighters in Victoria are actively combating several fires, while emergency services have conducted door-knocking at about 1,100 homes and sent text messages to 10,000 phones urging residents to evacuate affected regions. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the potential for further casualties and property damage as the heatwave persists.
The contrasting weather events highlight the global nature of extreme climate phenomena, affecting millions of people across different continents. As communities in North America and Australia brace for continued challenges, the importance of preparedness and resilient infrastructure becomes increasingly evident in the face of such volatile conditions.
