In brief
On Sunday, a significant cold snap swept across the eastern United States, affecting around 150 million people. After a bomb cyclone brought heavy snow to North Carolina and unusual cold in Florida, thousands remained without power from previous storms. Over 4,300 flights were canceled due to the severe weather, and officials reported numerous traffic incidents, further complicating recovery efforts.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A bomb cyclone has left a vast portion of the U.S., stretching from the Gulf Coast to New England, in the grips of frigid temperatures. Heavy snowfall, particularly in North Carolina, has led to over 4,300 flight cancellations, and unusually low temperatures are impacting wildlife in Florida, where iguanas are falling from trees due to the cold.
Approximately 150 million people are under various cold weather warnings. North Carolina saw some of its most severe winter weather on record, receiving nearly a foot of snow in Charlotte, disrupting transportation and daily life.
The extreme cold affected travel nationwide, with over 2,800 cancellations reported on Saturday alone. Airports in Charlotte felt the brunt of this chaos, contributing to widespread delays and disruptions in service.
Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina noted the tragic ramifications of the storm, with more than 1,000 traffic incidents reported amid the severe conditions. Additionally, two fatalities were attributed to the hazardous weather while more than 90,000 citizens in Tennessee and Mississippi faced ongoing power outages following a recent winter storm.
“This cold front is nothing short of impressive,” stated meteorologist Peter Mullinax. As recovery efforts continue, officials anticipate further complications as wind chills drop to dangerous levels.
The situation remains challenging in various communities, with emergency centers opened in Mississippi for those affected, amidst what officials are calling the worst winter storm in decades.
