A powerful winter storm sweeping across the United States has prompted emergency declarations in 18 states and caused widespread disruption, including the cancellation of thousands of flights.
The states under emergency orders include Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia, along with the US capital, Washington, D.C..
Weather officials said the storm system is affecting more than 180 million people, stretching from New Mexico to Maine. Heavy snowfall of up to 12 inches is forecast in parts of the Ohio Valley and along the East Coast, while freezing rain and ice are expected to create dangerous road conditions and threaten power supplies.
Air travel has been severely disrupted. More than 2,300 flights were cancelled on Saturday, with thousands more expected to be grounded on Sunday, particularly at major hubs such as Dallas and Atlanta. Airlines including Delta Air Lines announced temporary flight suspensions in several states and said affected passengers would be rebooked automatically.
Emergency agencies have begun deploying resources ahead of worsening conditions. In Louisiana, relief organizations have prepared around 250,000 meals and 400,000 liters of drinking water, while rescue teams have been placed on standby.
Authorities in Washington, D.C. confirmed that schools and federal offices will be closed on Monday and urged residents across affected areas to avoid non-essential travel due to the risks posed by snow, ice and extreme cold.
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