A severe winter weather system is causing widespread disruption across the United States, with states of emergency declared and travel chaos continuing for millions trying to return home after the Thanksgiving holiday.
Travel Gridlock as Flights and Roads Paralyzed
The transport network is struggling under the strain of the extreme conditions. On Tuesday morning alone, over 1,300 flights were delayed. This follows a weekend of major air travel disruption, with nearly 20,000 flights delayed or cancelled across Sunday and Monday. The scale of post-holiday travel was underscored by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which screened a record 3,133,924 individuals on Sunday.
On the roads, snowstorms and freezing temperatures are creating hazardous driving conditions across much of the eastern and central US. Authorities are urging extreme caution for anyone attempting to travel.
States of Emergency Declared Amid Polar Vortex Threat
In response to the looming crisis, several states have taken official action. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency for five counties—Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren—effective from 5am ET on Tuesday.
"Starting early tomorrow morning, we will experience potentially significant winter weather resulting in hazardous conditions in the northwestern part of our state," Governor Murphy stated. He cited expectations of heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain, and urged all drivers in the affected areas to exercise maximum caution.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation has activated crews and contractors overnight to address the deteriorating conditions.
Record Cold Forecast for Millions of Americans
The driving force behind the severe conditions is a bone-chilling polar vortex poised to bring record low temperatures to the nation. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter weather advisories and storm watches from Maine to Nebraska.
Wind chills in parts of the Midwest and Great Plains could make it feel as cold as -10 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. The Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming, Wisconsin, and Minnesota may experience their coldest days of the year on Monday, with temperatures plummeting well below zero.
Meteorologists warn that the frigid air, originating from Canada and Greenland due to a weakening polar vortex, could lead to week-long record cold conditions for more than half of the US population. The heaviest snow is expected from Monday night, with up to six inches forecast for parts of Ohio, eastern Pennsylvania, upstate New York, and most of New England.
