A devastating winter storm has swept across the United States, resulting in tragic fatalities, massive power disruptions, and severe travel chaos. In New York City, authorities have confirmed five deaths as temperatures plunged dramatically during the fierce weather event.
Mayor Warns of Extreme Cold Danger
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the public regarding the fatalities, stating that while the exact causes of death are still under investigation, the incident serves as a stark annual reminder of the lethal threat posed by extreme cold. "The danger of this weather cannot be overstated," Mayor Mamdani emphasised. In response to the hazardous conditions, the city has declared Monday a remote learning day for all public school students.
Nationwide Impact: Power Grid and Transport in Crisis
The storm's impact has been felt from the Southern states to New England, bringing a dangerous mix of heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain. The plummeting temperatures have triggered a critical infrastructure crisis:
- Over 880,000 customers are currently without power nationwide.
- The states of Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi are reporting the highest concentration of outages.
- The transport network is in disarray, with more than 11,000 flights cancelled and a further 12,000 delayed across major US airports.
Forecasters Issue Dire Warnings
Meteorologists are warning of prolonged and dangerous conditions. Key concerns include the potential for "catastrophic ice accumulation" and sustained bitterly cold temperatures, which are expected to not only prolong the immediate danger to life but also severely complicate recovery and restoration efforts in the coming days.
The storm is already breaking temperature records, underscoring the historic and severe nature of this weather event. Officials continue to urge residents to exercise extreme caution, stay indoors where possible, and heed all local weather warnings and advisories.
