A powerful snowstorm has brought daily life to a standstill across large parts of the United States. Heavy snowfall and extreme cold conditions have affected millions of people, prompting emergency measures in several states and causing widespread travel disruptions.
The storm hit states including Texas and Oklahoma with intense force. Its impact stretched from New Mexico in the southwest to New England in the northeast. Officials estimated that nearly 140 million people faced direct effects, as icy roads and freezing temperatures forced residents to stay indoors.
Due to worsening conditions, authorities urged people to avoid travel unless necessary. President Donald Trump declared emergencies in multiple states as a precaution. At the same time, airline operations suffered heavily, with nearly 13,000 flights cancelled nationwide. Major airports such as Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Chicago reported severe delays and shutdowns.
Meanwhile, officials declared emergency status in Washington DC and 19 other states. In parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas, snowfall reached nearly one foot. Chicago recorded wind chills close to minus 40 degrees Celsius, intensifying the danger. In southern states like Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, fallen trees damaged power lines, leaving thousands of homes without electricity.
To manage the crisis, the US government activated large-scale relief measures. The Federal Emergency Management Agency deployed 30 search teams and arranged over 700,000 meals, 600,000 blankets, and 300 generators. Authorities said response teams would move quickly as the storm progressed across states.
In response to weather warnings, state governments closed schools in many regions. Cities including Chicago, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Philadelphia announced holidays for educational institutions. Several schools shifted to online classes, while universities suspended in-person sessions. Churches also moved Sunday services online to ensure public safety.
Meteorologists linked the storm to an Arctic blast pushing icy winds from the North Pole. Weather officials warned that conditions could worsen over the next two to three days. With more than 200 million people affected and normal life disrupted in at least 18 states, authorities remain on high alert across the country.
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