More Than 11,000 Flights Cancelled as US Faces Colossal Winter Storm
In a bizarre display of nature's fury, over 11,000 flights across the United States were cancelled over the weekend due to a monstrous winter storm that has left millions under a state of emergency. The massive tempest - dubbed one of the most severe in decades by meteorologists - brought a swathe of destruction to much of the country, threatening widespread power outages and hazardous road conditions.
As the storm bore down on nearly half the US population, roughly 140 million people were put on high alert as winter storm warnings were issued from New Mexico to New England. The National Weather Service warned of heavy snowfall and catastrophic ice stretching across a significant swathe of eastern Texas to North Carolina. With a quarter of an inch of ice reported in parts of southeastern Oklahoma, eastern Texas, and Louisiana by midday Saturday, officials are bracing for the worst.
Meteorologist Allison Santorelli described the storm as "unique" in its potential for prolonged damage. "Just following this storm, it's just going to get so cold," she said. "The snow and ice will be very slow to melt and won't be going away anytime soon, and that's going to hinder any recovery efforts."
As a result of the treacherous weather conditions, flight operations were severely disrupted. The Oklahoma City airport reported all Saturday flights cancelled, with Sunday morning flights also called off in an effort to resume service later that day. In Texas, highways were blanketed with snow, while ice and sleet continued to fall in Mississippi.
For some residents, the worst fears are being realised as the storm's impact begins to become apparent. Angela Exstrom, a traveler from Omaha, Nebraska, was forced to alter her flight plans after her Saturday departure from Houston was cancelled. "If you live in the Midwest and travel in the winter, stuff can happen," she lamented.
As the storm continues its relentless march across the country, officials are sounding the alarm about potential power outages and damage that could rival that of a hurricane. The US government is preparing for the worst, with nine states requesting emergency declarations to unlock federal resources.
The economic and social impacts of this behemoth winter storm will be significant, as millions are left stranded at home or forced to cancel plans. Schools have already been closed, and businesses are bracing for disruptions. Church services and Mardi Gras parades were also cancelled or postponed due to the adverse weather conditions.
In a bizarre twist, the coldest temperatures are being recorded in parts of the Midwest, where wind chills as low as -40 degrees have left some workers struggling to cope with the freezing conditions. The storm has brought widespread disruption to daily life, leaving millions to wonder how they will recover from this extraordinary winter storm.
In a bizarre display of nature's fury, over 11,000 flights across the United States were cancelled over the weekend due to a monstrous winter storm that has left millions under a state of emergency. The massive tempest - dubbed one of the most severe in decades by meteorologists - brought a swathe of destruction to much of the country, threatening widespread power outages and hazardous road conditions.
As the storm bore down on nearly half the US population, roughly 140 million people were put on high alert as winter storm warnings were issued from New Mexico to New England. The National Weather Service warned of heavy snowfall and catastrophic ice stretching across a significant swathe of eastern Texas to North Carolina. With a quarter of an inch of ice reported in parts of southeastern Oklahoma, eastern Texas, and Louisiana by midday Saturday, officials are bracing for the worst.
Meteorologist Allison Santorelli described the storm as "unique" in its potential for prolonged damage. "Just following this storm, it's just going to get so cold," she said. "The snow and ice will be very slow to melt and won't be going away anytime soon, and that's going to hinder any recovery efforts."
As a result of the treacherous weather conditions, flight operations were severely disrupted. The Oklahoma City airport reported all Saturday flights cancelled, with Sunday morning flights also called off in an effort to resume service later that day. In Texas, highways were blanketed with snow, while ice and sleet continued to fall in Mississippi.
For some residents, the worst fears are being realised as the storm's impact begins to become apparent. Angela Exstrom, a traveler from Omaha, Nebraska, was forced to alter her flight plans after her Saturday departure from Houston was cancelled. "If you live in the Midwest and travel in the winter, stuff can happen," she lamented.
As the storm continues its relentless march across the country, officials are sounding the alarm about potential power outages and damage that could rival that of a hurricane. The US government is preparing for the worst, with nine states requesting emergency declarations to unlock federal resources.
The economic and social impacts of this behemoth winter storm will be significant, as millions are left stranded at home or forced to cancel plans. Schools have already been closed, and businesses are bracing for disruptions. Church services and Mardi Gras parades were also cancelled or postponed due to the adverse weather conditions.
In a bizarre twist, the coldest temperatures are being recorded in parts of the Midwest, where wind chills as low as -40 degrees have left some workers struggling to cope with the freezing conditions. The storm has brought widespread disruption to daily life, leaving millions to wonder how they will recover from this extraordinary winter storm.
And I heard some states are asking for emergency declarations? Like what even is that? Is the country really gonna shut down because of a snowstorm? 
I remember when Hurricane Harvey hit, it was all over the news and people were like "oh no" but this one seems more crazy. 
Weather forecasters are saying it's gonna be super bad for weeks? Like what do we even eat in that time? 
And schools are closed already? What about work? How is everyone supposed to survive without internet and stuff? 
? It's like Mother Nature decided to unleash her full fury on us! 
I'm not surprised though, the forecast was looking super bad and meteorologists warned of severe damage. And yeah, it's crazy how cold it is in the Midwest right now -40 degrees?! Brrr 
. This storm has already caused so much disruption and I'm sure it'll take a while for everything to get back to normal. Hopefully everyone stays safe and warm 
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11k flights cancelled in the US is crazy, like what's next? A global pandemic or a full-blown economic crisis? 
. The gov is getting prepared but I hope they're not planning on deploying the National Guard to clear roads... that'd be a whole different story 
. We need to stay safe and warm during this crazy storm, but I'm also low-key excited for the Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans to happen eventually 
. On a serious note though, 140 million people on high alert? That's a lot of people to worry about! 
)? It's crazy how some areas are getting slammed with snow and ice, while others are dealing with wind chills. And it's not just the weather - power outages and road conditions are gonna be a major headache for people stuck at home or stranded on the side of the road 
11k+ flights cancelled? That's just a numbers game, right? I mean, who actually cancels that many flights in one go? It's just a bunch of overhyping by the media 
. We've had bad weather before and we survived. This isn't like some huge monster storm from a sci-fi movie. Winter storms happen, people prepare for them, and life goes on 
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like wut r they supposed 2 do?? 
What's with the weird weather patterns in the Midwest right now? -40 degrees is just insane! 
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It's like Mother Nature is trying to win some kinda bet with humans. But honestly, I feel for all those stranded at home or stuck on cancelled plans. Time to hunker down and wait it out, I guess 
