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Washington: A massive winter storm wreaked havoc across the United States on Wednesday as it brought heavy snow to many areas, while others expected unusual warmth. Snow up to two feet (60 cm) is expected across a vast swath of the country from the West Coast to the Great Lakes. Not only thousands of flights have been suspended due to the snow storm, but electricity service has also been affected in a large population.
Heavy snowfall warnings have also been issued for generally sunny areas near Los Angeles, as well as places with more winter weather in the far north. National Weather Service forecasters said parts of Minnesota could see two rounds of snow, causing travel problems for people.
A warning issued by the Meteorological Department said, ‘Heavy snowfall will be combined with north-east wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph (55 to 70 kph) … This will lead to rain in open areas. There will be snowfall. Some flows can be several feet deep.
The warning further said, ‘If you have to travel, keep an extra torch, food and water in your vehicle for emergencies. Travel only when there is an emergency situation. If you have to travel, keep a winter survival kit with you. If you are stranded, stay with your vehicle only.
According to Flightaware.com, more than 1,450 flights in or out of the United States were canceled by 2100 GMT, with flights to and from Denver and Minneapolis-St Paul most affected. It has also become difficult for vehicles to move on the roads. Even the main highways are facing problems. According to Poweroutage.us, about 150,000 homes or buildings across the country were without power, most of them in California, where high winds have brought down trees.
After this, it has been decided to cancel 248 flights by low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines Company and 246 flights by Delta Airlines. In the midst of all this, Southwest and Delta said that they are monitoring the storm, while SkyWest has not yet responded in any way in this regard.
