A powerful storm wreaked havoc across the United States over the weekend, leading to the cancellation of numerous flights and threatening extended power outages and hazardous road conditions due to icy weather.

Approximately 180 million individuals were under a winter storm warning stretching from New Mexico to New England. The U.S. National Weather Service issued alerts for heavy snow and a significant ice band from east Texas to North Carolina. By midday Saturday, regions in southeastern Oklahoma, eastern Texas, and parts of Louisiana reported up to six millimeters of ice accumulation.

Meteorologist Allison Santorelli from the National Weather Service highlighted the prolonged cold spell following the storm, indicating that the snow and ice would linger, impeding recovery efforts. President Donald Trump declared emergency declarations for multiple states, with further approvals anticipated. The Federal Emergency Management Agency positioned essential resources and teams in various states for swift response.

As Southern states tackled power line repairs, Eastern states issued final warnings to residents, anticipating an unprecedented storm. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill implemented travel restrictions and reduced speed limits on highways, urging people to stay indoors for safety.

The storm’s impact, particularly in ice-affected areas, was compared to that of a hurricane by forecasters. Louisiana and Texas reported about 140,000 power outages, with significant damage to infrastructure. Numerous fallen trees and downed power lines in regions such as Shelby County, Texas, and DeSoto Parish, Louisiana, caused disruptions and safety hazards.

Flight operations were severely affected, with over 13,000 cancellations recorded on Saturday and Sunday in the U.S. Major airports like Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport faced extensive flight disruptions. The storm also prompted warnings in Georgia about a potential decade-high ice storm, leading to precautionary measures and deployment of resources to mitigate risks.

As the storm progressed towards the Northeast, authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors to ensure safety. The weather service predicted heavy snowfall exceeding 30 centimeters in the Northeastern region, emphasizing the importance of staying vigilant and prioritizing safety during the severe weather conditions.