Nederlands
English
Deutsch
Français
Español
Português
Massive Winter Storm Paralyzes United States
A historic winter storm named Fern has plunged large portions of the United States into chaos, leaving more than 700,000 households without power and claiming multiple lives as it sweeps across nearly two-thirds of the country. The storm, described by former President Donald Trump as 'historic,' has triggered emergency declarations in 23 states and affected approximately 200 million Americans under winter weather warnings.
Widespread Power Outages Across Southern States
The storm's most devastating impact has been on electrical infrastructure, particularly in southern states where ice accumulation and fallen trees have brought down power lines. Tennessee has been hardest hit, with nearly one-third of households and businesses in the capital Nashville experiencing blackouts. According to power outage reports, Tennessee has approximately 287,000 customers without electricity, followed by Mississippi (140,000), Louisiana (124,000), and Texas (124,000).
Meteorologists note that the storm's damage potential rivals that of a hurricane, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) activating limited federal assistance to support state and local governments. 'This storm reminds us that extreme weather can strike anywhere, and we must be prepared,' said a FEMA spokesperson.
Multiple Fatalities in New York City
In New York City, authorities have confirmed at least three deaths attributed to the winter conditions, with Mayor Zohran Mamdani reporting on social media that 'at least five' people have died since the temperature drop began. 'It's too early to determine the exact causes, but this reminds us that every year New Yorkers succumb to the cold,' Mamdani stated. 'The danger of this weather cannot be overstated.'
The mayor, facing his first major test just three weeks into his term, has mobilized the city's full response capabilities. Schools remain closed, and temperatures have plummeted to -11°C (12°F), with wind chills making it feel even colder. According to local reports, the city has activated warming centers in all five boroughs and intensified outreach to homeless populations.
Aviation System in Chaos
The nation's air travel system has been severely disrupted, with nearly 10,000 flights canceled today alone—approximately 30% of all scheduled departures. This follows yesterday's 10,000 cancellations, bringing the total to around 20,000 flights grounded over two days. Major airports including LaGuardia, JFK, and Charlotte Douglas International have been particularly affected.
'We're seeing disruption levels comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic era,' said an aviation analyst. 'The storm's timing and geographic spread have created perfect conditions for transportation chaos.'
Record-Breaking Storm Scale
According to Wikipedia data, Winter Storm Fern spans over 2,000 miles (3,200 km) from Mexico and Texas to northeastern Maine and into Canada. The storm has already caused at least 10 confirmed fatalities nationwide, including two hypothermia deaths in Caddo Parish, Louisiana. The National Weather Service has issued the highest number of winter storm warnings ever recorded, covering more than 230 million people.
The heaviest snowfall has been recorded in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado with 58 centimeters (23 inches), while temperatures have dropped to -30°C (-22°F) in some regions. Forecasters expect the worst conditions to continue in northeastern states, with some areas predicted to receive up to 60 centimeters (24 inches) of additional snow.
