A violent storm is currently causing chaos in large parts of the US. Heavy snowfall and high winds lead to blizzards, especially in the northeastern US, that temporarily paralyze public life. Media reports say at least eight people have been killed in road accidents and more than 1.2 million American homes have been left without power.
The states of New York, Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming are particularly affected. In the city of Buffalo, police spokesman James J. O’Callaghan described weather conditions as the worst he had experienced in 18 years. Due to the heavy snowfall and the icy wind, there would be hardly anything to see outside. The face would hurt, the wind would feel like needles on it. The wind in Buffalo was between 80.46 and 112.65 kilometers per hour on Friday.
Advice: Don’t go out on the street
The storm increases the feeling of cold, in combination with the current temperatures down to minus 45 degrees, it can cause severe frostbite in a short time. “This is not like a childhood snow day, this is serious,” US President Joe Biden warned. New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged residents to exercise caution. “I ask everyone not to take to the streets tonight as conditions will worsen as temperatures continue to drop in the state. Wrap up warm, stay indoors and take care of yourself this weekend.”
Driving bans in affected regions
Traveling in the affected regions is currently hardly possible anyway. Heavy snowfall and high winds lead to blizzards, especially in the northeastern US, which bring road and air traffic to a halt in some places. Driving bans have already been imposed in certain regions, such as the state of New York. According to media reports, at least eight people have been killed in road accidents.
On Friday, more than 5,000 flights were canceled and nearly 9,000 were delayed. Chicago and Detroit airports, which are among the country’s major hubs, were affected. An armada of snow plows attempted to clear the tarmac at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. By the day before Christmas, more than 200 million people had received severe weather warnings, initially in the North, Midwest and South. Some states have declared a state of emergency.
Another storm may follow
The US weather service still expects “dangerous cold” over the Christmas weekend. American media even warn of a possible next severe storm, a so-called “bomb cyclone”. In the states of Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming, values of around minus 45 degrees Celsius have already been measured. In Denver, Colorado, temperatures dropped by about 40 degrees in just 24 hours.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
