New York, Jan 08, (V7N) - A powerful snowstorm that swept through a large portion of the United States has resulted in at least five deaths and widespread chaos. The storm affected transportation, caused major flight cancellations and delays, forced school closures, and left hundreds of thousands without power.
Fatalities and Emergency Declarations: As the storm battered several states, the lives of at least five individuals were lost, and a state of emergency was declared in seven states: Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Arkansas. The storm's fierce conditions led to extensive travel disruptions, with many regions experiencing hazardous road conditions.
Air Travel Disruptions: The extreme weather has had a massive impact on air travel, with over 2,300 flights canceled and nearly 9,000 flights delayed. Travelers faced significant headaches as they were stranded in airports across the country, trying to get to their destinations amid the snowstorm's impact on major hubs.
Power Outages: Power outages have also been a major issue, with more than 190,000 people without electricity in the early hours of the storm's progression, according to data from PowerOutage.us. Many areas were left in the dark due to the heavy snow and high winds that downed power lines, further complicating the crisis.
School and Government Closures: Schools across the affected states were closed as a safety measure due to the severe weather conditions. Local governments and emergency responders are working around the clock to assist in clearing roads, restoring power, and providing support to those in need.
Ongoing Weather Warnings: The National Weather Service issued ongoing winter storm warnings for the affected areas, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Authorities have warned that the storm’s effects are not yet over, and further heavy snow and winds are expected to continue over the next few days.
The snowstorm has caused significant disruption to daily life across the U.S., and recovery efforts are underway as communities work to deal with the aftermath of this deadly weather event.
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