The United States is in the grip of a severe winter storm, with freezing rain, sleet and bitter Arctic air affecting more than half the country. Forecasters warn that the damage, especially in ice-lashed regions, could be as destructive as a hurricane.
The frigid air at this time has created life-threatening conditions. The Midwest region experienced wind chills, causing temperatures to plummet to -40°C, which can lead to frostbite within 10 minutes, making it dangerous to even wait for a bus in the winter.
The US's National Weather Service issued the notice while urging the people to "take this winter storm very seriously." It said that the Central US through to the Northeast are expected to bear the most impact of the weather condition.
In North Dakota, where the wind chills have brought the temperature down to -41°C, resident Colin Cross says, "I’ve been here a while, and my brain stopped working."
Cross, who was decked up with thermals, two long-sleeve shirts, a jacket, a hat, a hood, gloves and boots, shares his experience of being out in an empty unit for the apartment complex where he works.
The ice buildup could also affect the power grid, especially in the South, putting residences at risk of losing heat.
The service sector is also preparing itself to tackle the public crisis calls, prepping up with supplies for daily calls. A plumbing company co-owner, Melissa Cary, in Atlanta, the region at risk of temperature plummeting to up to -12°C, says that daily calls during weather crises like these can go from about 40 to several hundred.
Daily lives and services are expected to be severely affected by the storm.
"It’s going to be a big storm," Maricela Resendiz, a Dallas resident, shares how she will be preparing for the storm, saying, "Staying in, just being out of the way."
Airlines cancelled over 3,300 flights through Saturday. Major highways in the Northeast are also facing travel restrictions. Classes were cancelled in Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, and several Southern universities.
Administration response
US President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post, stated that the administration was fully prepared for the response. In his post, he said, "I have been briefed on the Record Cold Wave and Historic Winter Storm that will be hitting much of the United States this weekend. The Trump Administration is coordinating with State and Local Officials. FEMA is fully prepared to respond. Stay Safe and Stay Warm!"
In an earlier post, sharing about the warnings of the winter storm, he questioned the claims of increasing global warming. In his post, he wrote, "Record Cold Wave expected to hit 40 States. Rarely seen anything like it before. Could the Environmental Insurrectionists please explain — WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING???"
Texas governor Greg Abbott, in hindsight of the 2021 Texas, vows the state is better prepared this time.
Oklahoma activated the National Guard to assist stranded drivers, while the federal government has placed 30 search and rescue teams on standby, along with millions of meals and blankets via FEMA.
