Storm struck the United States Saturday, forcing the cancellation of more than 11,000 flights and leaving 95,000 people without power.
At a Glance
- 11,000 flights canceled across the country.
- 140 million people hit by a winter storm warning.
- 95,000 power outages, with 36,000 in Texas.
- 1,800 workers treated roads with brine in Georgia.
- Main subject: a massive winter storm that disrupted travel, utilities and daily life.
Why it matters
The storm’s reach and intensity created widespread disruptions, affecting transportation, energy, and public safety across more than 40% of the U.S. population.
Introduction
A blizzard that began in the Southwest and swept eastward left the nation grappling with heavy snow, ice, and power outages. The National Weather Service warned of a 40% population under a winter storm warning, and officials across the country mobilized emergency resources. This article details the storm’s impact on travel, power, weather conditions, government response, and community life.
Impact on Travel
All flights scheduled for Saturday and Sunday were abruptly canceled. At Will Rogers International Airport in Oklahoma City, every flight was called off, and the departures side was almost empty.
- 4,000 flights canceled Saturday, according to FlightAware.
- 7,600 flights canceled Sunday.
- Major hubs hit hardest: Dallas-Fort Worth International, Nashville International, and Charlotte Douglas.
Travelers were forced to reroute. Angela Exstrom, who had planned to fly from Houston to Omaha, had to change her itinerary to Los Angeles after her flight was canceled.
Power Outages
Power outages surged across the country. Ice-laden trees and power lines collapsed, causing widespread blackouts.
- 95,000 outages nationwide.
- 36,000 in Texas, 10,000 in Virginia.
In Little Rock, Arkansas, residents feared extended outages because all power lines were above ground. “All of the power lines are above ground, so it doesn’t take very much to end up in the dark,” said Chris Plank.
Utility companies prepared for long-term outages. Wind chills reached -40°F in the Midwest, a risk factor for frostbite. In Bismarck, North Dakota, wind chill hit -41°F, prompting residents to bundle up and seek shelter.
Weather Conditions
The storm’s severity varied across regions:
- 140 million people, more than 40% of the U.S. population, were under a winter storm warning.
- Heavy snow and a band of catastrophic ice stretched from east Texas to North Carolina.
- By midday Saturday, a quarter of an inch (0.6 centimeters) of ice had formed in parts of southeastern Oklahoma, eastern Texas, and portions of Louisiana.
- In upstate New York, temperatures dipped to -29°F (minus 34 °C) before dawn.
Meteorologist Allison Santorelli noted the storm’s unique nature: “What really makes this storm unique is, just following this storm, it’s just going to get so cold. The snow and the ice will be very, very slow to melt and won’t be going away anytime soon.”
Government Response
Federal and state officials mobilized emergency resources.
- President Donald Trump announced that FEMA was fully prepared to respond.
- Nine states requested emergency declarations; Trump approved declarations for South Carolina and Virginia on Friday.
- Requests from Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia were still pending.
Georgia’s Department of Transportation deployed 1,800 workers on 12-hour shifts to treat highways with brine. Commissioner Russell McMurry said, “We’re going to do what we can to keep the ice from sticking to the roads. This is going to be a challenge.”
Community Effects
The storm disrupted everyday life beyond transportation and power.
- Churches moved Sunday services online.
- The Grand Ole Opry held its Saturday night radio performance without fans.
- Mardi Gras parades in Louisiana were canceled or rescheduled.
- Schools in Philadelphia, Houston, and several Southern universities closed on Monday.
Unhoused individuals received aid from The Orange Tent Project. CEO Morgan McLuckie explained, “Seeing the forecasted weather, I knew we had to come out and do this today.”
Key Takeaways
- The storm’s reach affected more than 140 million people, with widespread flight cancellations and power outages.
- Emergency resources were mobilized at both federal and state levels, but the storm’s severity posed long-term challenges.
- Communities adapted by shifting services online and providing emergency aid to vulnerable populations.
The storm’s legacy will include extensive damage to infrastructure, delayed recovery due to persistent ice, and a reminder of the need for robust emergency preparedness.
