A major winter storm has left over 800,000 customers without electricity across the United States, impacting areas as far west as New Mexico. The storm, described by meteorologists as “historic,” is anticipated to bring heavy snowfall, sleet, freezing rain, and dangerously low temperatures to the eastern two-thirds of the nation through the week.
In response to the impending weather conditions, President Donald Trump approved federal emergency disaster declarations for multiple states, including South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia, among others. He emphasized the need for safety and preparedness in his communications on social media.
Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have declared weather emergencies, as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) urged citizens to take precautions. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem advised residents to stock up on essential supplies, anticipating extremely cold temperatures.
Power outages have been widespread, with significant numbers reported in Tennessee, Mississippi, Texas, and Louisiana. In an effort to mitigate the impact of the storm, the Department of Energy issued emergency orders enabling Texas and mid-Atlantic grid operators to deploy backup generation resources.
The National Weather Service has warned of severe ice accumulation, particularly in the Southeast, predicting potential catastrophic impacts. Record low temperatures and severe wind chills are expected to reach the Great Plains by Monday.
The storm has also disrupted air travel, with over 10,100 flights canceled on Sunday alone, following more than 4,000 cancellations the previous day. Major airlines, including Delta and JetBlue, have adjusted their schedules and advised passengers to remain vigilant about potential changes.
Electric grid operators are on high alert, implementing measures to avoid widespread blackouts as the storm progresses.