Summary
A severe winter storm is affecting a large part of the United States, with over a dozen states declaring states of emergency and significant travel disruptions due to snowfall and ice. The storm is expected to bring heavy snow, freezing rain, and dangerous wind chills, leading to potential power outages and difficult travel conditions. The storm also presents a challenge for the Texas power grid, which has improved its resilience since a 2021 winter event.
Key Facts
- Over a dozen governors have declared states of emergency in response to the winter storm.
- Around 161 million Americans are under a winter storm warning or watch.
- The storm is impacting areas from New Mexico to New England with heavy snow and freezing rain.
- States affected include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
- There are warnings of dangerous travel conditions and possible long-term power outages due to ice.
- Nearly 500 flights were canceled today, with more expected in the coming days.
- Texas's power grid operator, ERCOT, is testing its improved resilience following past failures.
- Food delivery services and other operations might pause in some affected areas due to the storm.
