Several US states declare emergencies as millions hit by huge winter storm | BBC News

More than 60 million Americans are in the grips of a huge winter storm that could bring the heaviest snowfall and coldest temperatures in over a decade.

A state of emergency has been declared in seven states - Kansas, one of the worst-hit areas, Missouri, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas and parts of New Jersey.

Forecasters say the extreme weather is caused by a polar vortex - an area of cold air that circulates around the Arctic - bringing cold weather to the central US.

Thousands of flights have already been delayed or cancelled, with many roads cut off and schools shut as a result of the storm.

#US #Snow #BBCNews

[loz]

here am I slipping over and moaning walking in a few centimetres here in the UK.

[Introverted]

"Heavy, thick and relentless"

Like my ex

[SidewalkCitizenLA]

Came out to Illinois to visit my daughter in her new house. Was supposed to go on Philadelphia for a tourist visit, but I have had three trains canceled on me since Friday, and we're not even in the worst hit areas! Glad I'm retired with the freedom to wait this out! 🙏

[gkelly]

I’ll never forget the cold I experienced in the US when I was there around 20 years ago. My eyeballs almost froze. I don’t know why they don’t all move to Florida or Cali

[antonvalentine]

I want to make something clear: THIS VERY THING was predicted several months ago by countless experts and sources. These areas have had nearly an entire year to prepare and warn their local residents. The difference between "emergency" and "a change in weather" is how prepared you are.

[Actress_Monica_Biel]

1. A major winter storm, described as potentially the worst in a decade, is affecting over 60 million Americans. Eastern US states have already received several inches of snow, and blizzard conditions are reported in various areas, notably St. Joseph, Missouri, causing significant disruptions and bringing much of the state to a standstill. This severe weather is attributed to a polar vortex originating from the Arctic.


2. The storm's impact on transportation is substantial. Thousands of flights have been canceled or delayed across states like Kentucky, and road conditions are described as treacherous due to snow and ice, causing significant travel problems. The severity of the icy conditions and the challenges they pose for travel and daily life are highlighted through on-the-ground reporting.


3. Multiple states have declared states of emergency in response to the extreme weather. Missouri, Kansas, and Kentucky are among those taking such measures to manage the crisis and address the needs of their citizens. The sub-zero temperatures predicted (-29°C in Kansas) pose a significant threat to both residents and infrastructure, necessitating emergency responses to protect public safety and well-being.


4. The severity of the storm is further emphasized by the occurrence of an avalanche in Utah, captured on video. This incident serves as a visual representation of the powerful and dangerous nature of the weather system impacting a wide swathe of the United States.

[rkosowan]

As a Canadian weighing in, this is beautiful, sensational natural winter beauty. Its part of life. Enjoy it. 😊

[vacuumunit]

This happened last year and the year before

[hwoarang]

Isn’t she the one that gave the cameras the bird right before she went on air?

[donskuse]

You’re welcome America, from Canada 😅

[javedriaz]

Lucky for people who live in South West United States, hawaii and florida don't have to suffer these freezing cold snowy winters

[nicenac]

I bet they don't close schools in the US with the slightest bit of snow covering like they do here in the UK!!!

[lazarusblackwell]

In winter you clean snow.

In summer you cut grass.

LOL

Never a good day XD

[ARandomDonut]

I'm upset the storm didn't track north more. I live in South Dakota and the eastern side of the state is utterly snowless. It's even more depressing when the highs for the day are like 15 degrees F (that's -9 C for you metricheads). Can't even go outside without having to bundle up big time and even then there is no point with no snow around.

[Lifeptsd]

I'm a trucker and TQL is trying to force me to drive through this. I offered so many times to just drop the load off after the roads clear or just back to the shipper. They won't let me....

[swr]

For some reason for some people this weather warning is not your shoes!

[nedludd]

Meanwhile, headline from a local channel says, "Maryland gets its first major winter storm of the year."

[MichelleBattersby-dwyy]

We have a foot in Southern Delaware! Its heavy as hell😮

[Scouser]

"Oh look there's an avalanche coming this way. Lets stop, wind down the window and take a video"

[Actress_Monica_Biel]

Wow, it's crazy how much impact this winter storm is having! Hope everyone is staying safe and warm out there. It's wild to think about how the polar vortex is shaking things up across so many states. Stay cozy, everyone!