US: Historic Winter Storm Disrupts Travel With Thousands of Flights Cancelled Nationwide
US: A powerful winter storm has created widespread disruption across the United States, leading to massive flight cancellations, dangerous road conditions, and emergency declarations in several states. As freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall continue to expand, authorities are urging residents to remain cautious while transportation networks struggle to cope with the scale of the weather event.
Flight Cancellations and Aviation Disruptions
Air travel has been hit especially hard as the storm intensified over the weekend. According to reports from CNN, more than 14,800 flights were cancelled between Saturday and Monday. Major airlines were forced to ground a significant portion of their schedules due to unsafe conditions at airports and along flight routes.
American Airlines cancelled nearly 43 percent of its planned flights, while Delta Air Lines, headquartered in Atlanta, grounded about 35 percent of its operations. On Saturday alone, over 4,000 flights were cancelled, with Dallas and Charlotte experiencing the most severe disruptions. By Monday, more than 1,600 additional cancellations were already reported, mainly affecting New York and Boston.
Emergency Declarations Across Multiple States
In response to the escalating situation, US President Donald Trump approved emergency declarations in ten states, including Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, and West Virginia. Federal agencies are working alongside state governments to manage resources and ensure public safety.
The administration confirmed that coordination is ongoing with FEMA, state governors, and emergency management teams to address the challenges posed by extreme cold, snow accumulation, and ice-related hazards.
Severe Weather Forecast and Temperature Warnings
The National Weather Service has warned that the winter storm will sweep across the eastern two-thirds of the country, bringing prolonged periods of dangerously low temperatures. Sub-zero lows are expected to move from the northern and central plains into the northeastern states, while sub-freezing nighttime temperatures could reach as far south as the Gulf Coast.
Meteorologists cautioned that the cold could become life-threatening, with wind chills and extended exposure increasing the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Officials have advised residents to prepare for power outages, heating challenges, and limited mobility.
Snow, Ice, and Power Outages
As the storm system advances, heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain are forecast across much of the eastern United States. Ice accumulation has already caused power outages in parts of the South, leaving many households without electricity amid freezing conditions. Some areas may also experience thunder and lightning during intense freezing rain, further complicating response efforts.
The storm covers a vast area, stretching more than 1,300 miles and impacting regions over a 2,000-mile span from Texas to New England. More than half of Americans are expected to experience subzero wind chills, which will keep snow and ice firmly in place and slow recovery efforts.
Safety Advisories and Public Caution
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and remain off the roads whenever possible. With interstate highways closed in some areas and road surfaces becoming increasingly hazardous, authorities emphasize that staying indoors could prevent accidents and save lives.
Winter storm warnings remain active across more than 17 states, highlighting the scale and seriousness of this weather event. Officials continue to monitor conditions closely as the storm progresses into the Mid-Atlantic region and the Northeast.