Hundreds of thousands of residents in the US left without electricity
A severe winter storm has left hundreds of thousands in several US states without power due to heavy snow and strong winds.
A significant winter storm has hit states including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Connecticut, resulting in over 30 cm of snowfall. Central Park in New York recorded 38 cm of snow, the most in over five years, leading to downed trees and damaged power lines as a result of the heavy, wet snow and strong winds. Local authorities have advised the public on the hazards, as street and highway closures have been implemented to manage the situation safely.
In response to the severe weather, transportation has come to a near halt in New York, with significant traffic congestion reported due to road closures. Similar transport bans have been enforced in neighboring New Jersey, where all streets and highways are under travel restrictions. The impact of the storm on air travel is also substantial, with thousands of flights canceled both into and out of the US, as well as domestically, reflecting the widespread disruption caused by the weather conditions.
This storm follows a pattern of harsh winter weather experiences in parts of the US in late January and early February, marked by unusually low temperatures and severe snowstorms. The implications of such weather extend beyond immediate inconveniences, as communities potentially face prolonged power outages and the need for emergency responses to manage the aftermath of the storm.