A historic winter storm has swept across large parts of the United States killing at least ten people and leaving a trail of destruction from the South to the Northeast. Powerful winds heavy snowfall freezing rain and dangerously low temperatures have turned roads into ice sheets triggering deadly crashes and forcing authorities to issue widespread emergency warnings.
The massive storm knocked out power to more than one million homes and businesses as ice-laden trees and downed power lines crippled electricity networks. Utility crews are racing against time to restore service but officials warn outages could last for days in some areas as frigid temperatures slow repair efforts.
Air travel has been thrown into chaos with more than ten thousand flights cancelled nationwide. Major airports struggled to operate as runways iced over and visibility dropped stranding thousands of passengers and disrupting supply chains. Rail and bus services were also hit compounding travel misery for millions.
States from Texas through the Midwest and into the eastern seaboard declared weather emergencies urging residents to stay off roads and conserve power. Shelters have been opened for vulnerable populations as temperatures plunged well below freezing in several regions.
Forecasters say the storm system is slowly moving east but warn that hazardous conditions including black ice and bitter cold will persist even after snowfall eases. Officials continue to urge caution saying the storm’s most dangerous impacts may not be over yet.
