A massive and far-reaching winter storm has battered the United States for several days, leaving at least 21 people dead, causing power outages affecting nearly one million homes, and forcing thousands of flight cancellations at major airports across the country. Heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and extremely low temperatures have impacted regions from the Midwest to the Northeast and the South.
Meteorological authorities have described the event as one of the worst winter storms in decades, with snowfall exceeding 30 centimeters in several states and wind chills dropping below -40°C in parts of the Great Plains.
Power outages left many residents without heating for hours, while cities such as New York and Dallas experienced dangerously low temperatures. Emergency services continue to urge people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as the cold wave persists.
Why is this storm so devastating?
Because it combines intense snowfall, dangerous ice buildup, and extreme Arctic temperatures, causing fatalities, disrupting essential services, paralyzing air and ground transportation, and putting vulnerable populations at serious risk.