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Winter storm chaos: 43 states receive extreme cold alerts and freeze warnings

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Winter storm chaos: 43 states receive extreme cold alerts and freeze warnings

A massive winter storm has plunged the United States into chaos, with 43 states under cold weather advisories and bone-chilling temperatures affecting an estimated 40 million Americans. The storm, dubbed a “once in a generation” event, has prompted the first blizzard warnings for Texas and Louisiana as it moves through the southern states, creating “blackout conditions.”

Snow has already been reported in cities such as Austin and Houston, as well as parts of Mississippi and Alabama, and forecasts predict the storm will continue into Florida, North Carolina, Charleston, Atlanta and South Carolina. According to The Weather Channel expertsThese areas could see four to eight inches of snowfall.

The frigid conditions have wreaked havoc on travel, with nearly 2,000 flight cancellations across the country. George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston announced a complete suspension of flight operations at 8:30 a.m. EST due to the storm.

A spokesperson published in X: “Flight operations are temporarily suspended and our dedicated teams remain on site preparing for a safe return to operations as soon as weather conditions allow.” New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell urged residents to take precautions, describing the storm as the worst since the 1960s.

AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter explained the severity of the storm: “This is not a strong, well-developed storm, but the frigid air interacting with moisture from the Gulf will produce a significant amount of snow and ice in places that are rare. sometimes receive accumulations of snow and ice. “This winter storm will virtually disrupt travel for days in some areas.”

Experts predict snow accumulations of six to 12 inches north of I-10 in southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana, and in some areas up to 14 inches. Even light snow is expected to create dangerous conditions in regions unaccustomed to such weather due to limited resources to melt snow.

“There are limited quantities of snow plows, salt supplies and sanders in communities along the Gulf Coast,” Porter said. “It could take days for crews to clear and treat all roads and bridges in some areas, especially with the unusual cold lingering after the storm.”

Porter also warned of the dangers posed by elevated roads: “Cold air can pass over and under elevated roads and bridges, allowing temperatures to drop and snow and ice to accumulate faster than on streets.” of surface.

“As the snow intensifies, a layer of ice can form beneath the snow, creating extremely dangerous conditions.” Travelers are advised to delay their plans if possible and use extreme caution when navigating through affected areas during the storm.


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