The dangerous winter storm has swept across the northern United States, bringing blinding snow, freezing rain, and bitter cold temperatures. This massive storm is a part of a week of strong winter weather that has caused deadly avalanches and treacherous ice-covered roads. Flight cancellations and delays have also been widespread, with over 2,000 flights cancelled and more than 7,000 flights experiencing delays. The storm has led to at least three deaths, with a man believed dead in an avalanche in Idaho, a Wisconsin man dying while snow-blowing his driveway, and a suburban Chicago man dying of cold exposure.
In addition to the human toll, the storm has caused widespread power outages, with over 130,000 customers in Michigan without electricity. Temperatures have dropped significantly, with some areas facing wind chills as low as -57F in Montana. The southern states are also being affected, with severe storms in Mississippi and anticipated Arctic air in Louisiana and Texas.
The cold snap has also brought concerns for vulnerable populations, such as the unhoused. In Chicago, where temperatures are expected to reach well below zero, advocates are worried about the growing population of people sent up from the US-Mexico border. In response to the cold snap, the city has suspended plans to enforce a 60-day cap on shelter stays for asylum seekers through at least 22 January. Other places, such as Portland, Oregon, are bracing for the cold as well, with residents preparing for a bitter cold snap.
As the storm continues to wreak havoc across the nation, authorities are urging residents to prepare for prolonged power outages, ice, and frigid temperatures. The winter storm has also raised flooding concerns in some areas of the country, compounding the challenges posed by the extreme weather conditions. Despite the difficulties, individuals and communities are coming together to help those in need and mitigate the impact of the storm. The resilience of people in the face of adversity is evident as they work to protect themselves and their communities from the harsh winter weather.