Thousands of flights have been canceled and power outages are expected as a major winter storm sweeps across the United States, bringing heavy snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures.
The storm, which has been dubbed “Winter Storm Enzo,” is expected to impact a vast area stretching from New Mexico to New England, affecting an estimated 140 million people. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for extensive heavy snow and a dangerous band of ice, forecasting conditions that could be comparable to a hurricane.
In Texas, ice and sleet have already caused widespread disruption, with the storm moving towards the central part of the state. Freezing temperatures and wind chills as low as -24°C (-12°F) are expected to spread across the region, posing a serious risk of frostbite.
More than 9,000 flights have been canceled across the country this weekend, with nearly 6,000 more expected to be called off on Sunday. Angela Extrom, a traveler from Omaha, Nebraska, had her flight from Houston canceled and was forced to reroute her trip through Los Angeles.
Utility companies are bracing for power outages, as ice-coated trees and power lines can continue to fall long after the storm has passed. In the Midwest, wind chills as low as -40°C (-40°F) have been recorded, with the potential for frostbite to set in within 10 minutes.
Governors in more than a dozen states have declared emergencies or urged residents to stay home, and the federal government has put nearly 30 search and rescue teams on standby. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also pre-positioned millions of meals, blankets, and generators throughout the affected areas.
Churches, Carnival parades, and schools have been forced to cancel or move events online as the region prepares for the storm’s impact. Philadelphia has announced that schools will be closed on Monday, while the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Mississippi have also canceled classes.
As the storm continues to move across the country, officials are urging residents to stay safe and heed all weather warnings. The aftermath of the storm is expected to be felt for some time, as the thawing process can be slow and potentially dangerous.
