A historic and severe winter storm has plunged vast swathes of the United States into chaos, leaving approximately 500,000 homes without power and prompting widespread panic buying that has stripped supermarket shelves bare. The extreme weather event, described as potentially catastrophic by officials, has impacted an estimated 200 million Americans across 37 states, from New England to the southern Rocky Mountains.
States of Emergency Declared Amid Freezing Temperatures
With temperatures threatening to plummet as low as -37°C in some regions, at least 20 states have issued formal states of emergency. In a significant escalation, nine states have activated their National Guard units to assist with the dangerous conditions. The storm has brought unprecedented thick snow and ice to historically warmer areas, including Arkansas and Tennessee, catching many communities off guard.
National Weather Service Issues Grave Warning
The National Weather Service has warned the public of severe consequences, stating: "The storm will cause significant to locally catastrophic ice accumulations with the potential for long-duration power outages, extensive tree damage, and extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions." This dire forecast has understandably fuelled public anxiety and a rush to prepare.
Travel Network Brought to a Standstill
The storm's impact on transportation has been profound, causing the cancellation of more than 13,000 flights in a single day—the highest number since the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Major airports, including La Guardia in New York, have seen significant disruption, with stranded passengers forced to wait on terminal floors. Road travel is also severely hampered by icy conditions, with warnings issued even in southern states like Texas.
Panic Buying Leads to Empty Supermarket Shelves
As the storm approached, desperate shoppers across the country, from New York City to the Midwest, engaged in last-minute panic buying. Photographs from numerous locations show aisles stripped of essential food and goods, leaving shelves completely empty. This surge in demand has highlighted concerns about supply chain resilience during extreme weather events.
Unusual Weather Phenomena Observed
The storm's intensity is illustrated by unusual phenomena, such as beaches freezing over along Lake Michigan in Chicago. The extreme cold warnings extend across a massive geographical area, underscoring the storm's scale and severity. Blankets of snow have even enveloped iconic landmarks like the US Capitol in Washington D.C.
With the potential for prolonged power outages and continued hazardous conditions, authorities are urging residents to exercise extreme caution. The combination of freezing temperatures, ice accumulation, and widespread disruption marks this as one of the most significant winter storms to hit the United States in recent years.
