Almost apocalyptic conditions have emerged in the central United States after the last few days saw an amount of snow not seen since 2011. The states of emergency affect 70 million people, according to reports from the BBC and CNN.
States of emergency have been declared in several federal states, including Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri and Virginia. According to meteorological warnings, the blizzard may cause significant disruptions in the central part of the country, dangerous and impossible traffic conditions, and widespread closures are expected. The situation is exacerbated by extreme cold, with millions of Americans predicted to face record low temperatures as a result of the extreme winter storm. Some airlines waive transfer fees for customers traveling to and from certain cities to ease travel hassles.
According to the FlightAware website, almost two thousand flights have already been canceled due to the storm.
In parts of Kansas and Missouri, particularly severe gale force winds and blizzards wreaked havoc, further aggravating the situation of those living there. According to forecasts, the storm may be accompanied by wind gusts of up to 80 kilometers per hour. The blizzard will move east toward the Ohio River Valley during the day before reaching the Mid-Atlantic late Sunday night and Monday.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said Saturday that the state is preparing for the storm, which is expected to have major impacts on roads and transportation hubs. He added that significant accumulation of snow can be expected in some parts of the state, which may cause further challenges in traffic.
Extreme weather does not spare Canada either. Further north, Canadians are also experiencing the effects of the polar vortex, which is hitting many areas of the country with extreme cold and snowfall. In Canada, an extreme weather alert was issued for much of the country over the weekend as freezing temperatures hit nearly every region. In some areas, blowing snow complicates the situation. Despite the windless weather in Manitoba, the temperature can drop to an extreme degree, even -40 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, in some parts of Ontario, up to 40 centimeters of snow can fall on Sunday.
Meanwhile, in Washington, DC, lawmakers are preparing for the official certification of the presidential election results, which traditionally takes place on January 6 after the presidential election. But what happens when a blizzard hits the US capital? According to Thomas Berry, director of the Cato Institute’s Center for Constitutional Studies, nothing. According to the Law on the Reform of Election Vote Counting, the House of Representatives has no discretion to change the date. This means that
Congress is required by law to begin certification on January 6 at 1:00 p.m. EST, regardless of external circumstances, such as weather conditions.
The task could be very challenging this year, as significant snowfall is predicted in Washington DC, in addition to freezing, with 12-25 centimeters of snow. Icing is forecast to lead to power outages, especially if icy roads impede the movement of utility crews. Such a situation can be particularly dangerous for people left without heating in extreme cold, which can have life-threatening consequences.
The most snow is expected to accumulate in colder areas of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia. In places where sleet and ice form instead of snow due to the presence of warmer air, the amount of snow will be less.
This storm has the potential to bring more than 12 inches of snow and significant amounts of ice, with the coldest temperatures of the season in its wake. Alarms have already been ordered in several large cities due to the expected, historic amount of snow.
The massive winter storm is expected to leave the U.S. East Coast late Monday night, with its effects gradually diminishing overnight. Although the direct effects of the storm will cease, bitterly cold temperatures can be expected, with temperatures as low as 30 degrees lower than usual at this time.
Source: nepszava.hu
