Big Freeze Grips U.S., Leaving Millions Shivering
Millions of Americans are enduring frigid conditions as a massive winter storm dubbed the “Big Freeze” grips the country. A significant winter event has left parts of the Northeast and South blanketed in snow and ice, resulting in at least 30 fatalities across affected regions.
The Severity of the Big Freeze
The winter storm has produced over 30 centimeters of snow across a 2,100-kilometer path, extending from Arkansas to New England. New York Governor Kathy Hochul described the situation as an “Arctic siege.” Meanwhile, Georgia meteorologist William Lanxton called it potentially the most severe ice storm in over a decade.
Impact on Daily Life
- Traffic disruptions have become common, with thousands of flights canceled.
- More than 690,000 households experienced power outages, particularly in the southern U.S.
- Schools in hard-hit areas have been forced to close or switch to online learning.
Areas north of Pittsburgh experienced up to 50 centimeters of snow, with wind chills plunging to minus 31 degrees Celsius. Local authorities struggled to restore services as many communities faced hazardous conditions.
Tragic Consequences
The rising death toll includes various incidents related to the storm. Snowplough accidents in Massachusetts and Ohio claimed lives, as did sledding mishaps in Arkansas and Texas. Sadly, a woman was discovered buried under snow in Kansas, and multiple fatalities were reported across Tennessee, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania.
Utility and Safety Challenges
In Mississippi, the storm has been identified as the most severe ice event since 1994, severely disrupting infrastructure. Local officials are mobilizing resources such as cots, blankets, and generators for warming stations.
Power outages continue to plague vulnerable regions, with Nashville experiencing extensive blackouts. More than 170,000 homes were still without electricity as of Monday, complicating an already dire situation.
Flight and Travel Disruptions
- Over 8,000 flights were either delayed or canceled on Monday alone.
- On Sunday, cancellations peaked at 45%, the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
New York City recorded its snowiest day in years, leading to substantial school closures. Approximately 500,000 students attended remote lessons as physical schools remained closed.
Looking Ahead
As the Big Freeze continues, colder temperatures are expected to linger, impacting residents from the South to the Midwest. Communities are bracing for further snowfall in New England and an extended period of sub-zero weather.
The combination of heavy snow, ice, and bitter temperatures underscores the seriousness of this winter storm, as millions navigate through these challenging conditions.
