In brief
A bomb cyclone has caused extreme cold and severe weather across the eastern U.S., affecting over 150 million people. Tens of thousands remain without power, and the storm has led to record low temperatures in regions as far south as Florida. Flight cancellations soared to over 2,800 as heavy snowfall and ice storms wreaked havoc. Local officials respond with warming centers, while impacted states grapple with the emergency response amidst ongoing recovery efforts.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A significant winter storm, classified as a bomb cyclone, has blanketed large areas of the eastern United States, resulting in extraordinarily low temperatures and widespread disruptions. This weather phenomenon has particularly affected the Gulf Coast states up through New England as of Sunday.
Approximately 150 million residents are under severe cold weather advisories. Wind chills have plunged to near zero across the Southern U.S., marking the coldest temperatures experienced in South Florida in over three decades, according to meteorologist Peter Mullinax of the weather prediction center in Maryland.
In Florida, especially around Tampa-St. Petersburg, the storm resulted in unusual snow flurries, while temperatures dipped into the 20s in the Panhandle and 30s in South Florida, prompting cold-stunned iguanas to drop from trees. Such extreme cold poses a threat to these reptiles, often leading to lethargy or death if temperatures do not rise soon.
North Carolina has been particularly hard hit, with nearly a foot of snow reported around Charlotte, making it one of the top five snow events historically. The storm's aftermath has been severe, evidenced by over 2,800 flight cancellations on Saturday alone, with an additional 1,500 on Sunday, primarily impacting Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
The storm's effects extended to major travel disruptions across roadways. Authorities reported over 1,000 car accidents and two fatalities due to hazardous conditions, particularly on Interstate 85. Governor Josh Stein remarked on the chaos caused by this unexpected snow.
As of Sunday, reports indicated more than 110 fatalities connected to this winter storm have been recorded. States like Tennessee and Mississippi, which still grapple with power outages from last week's ice storm, face significant challenges, with over 97,000 residents powerless in Tennessee alone. Recovery efforts are ongoing, expecting 90% power restoration by Tuesday for Nashville Electric Service customers.
In light of the unprecedented nature of this winter storm, officials are opening warming centers and utilizing National Guard resources for supply deliveries. As local communities work to recover from these harsh conditions, more light snow is anticipated for the Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic regions in the coming days, keeping residents vigilant for further weather impact. The nationwide emergency response continues as the U.S. strives to return to normal amidst these weather extremes.
