A dangerous winter storm is bearing down on the United States, with at least 16 states and Washington DC declaring states of emergency. The storm is expected to affect around 230 million people across the south, midwest, and east coast, bringing snow, sleet, freezing rain, and record low temperatures.
Governors have declared emergencies in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Missouri, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Arkansas, Kansas, and Kentucky. The declarations free up financial reserves and warn of mortal danger from the extreme weather.
President Donald Trump posted on social media questioning climate change, saying: 'Record Cold Wave expected to hit 40 States. Rarely seen anything like it before. Could the Environmental Insurrectionists please explain – WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING???' However, scientists note that the climate crisis disrupts the polar vortex, causing more frequent Arctic blasts in regions unaccustomed to prolonged cold.
Residents in several states have been stocking up on supplies, with stores seeing long queues and empty shelves. The American Red Cross warned the public to prepare for power failures and supply shortages, especially in southern areas where such cold conditions are not typical.
The National Weather Service forecasts snowfall exceeding 12 inches across the Ohio valley, mid-Atlantic, and north-east. More than 100 million people are expected to endure temperatures below freezing until at least next Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) has reportedly stopped firing staff, with workers told the agency would 'cease off-boarding' those assisting in disaster response. Fema stated that its National Response Coordination Center has been activated in response to the historic winter storm.
