The United States is currently facing a major winter storm that is affecting over 200 million people. Heavy snow, ice, and dangerously low temperatures and wind chills are causing widespread disruption across the country.
In New York City, a city worker was clearing snow from the sidewalk in Manhattan when the storm hit, causing severe travel disruptions and power outages. More than 85,000 homes and businesses were without power early Tuesday, with Portland, Oregon being particularly hard hit.
The severe weather has also led to the closure of schools in major cities such as Chicago, Denver, and Dallas. Federal offices in and around Washington have also been closed, and transportation officials are urging residents to avoid travel as roads become slick with ice.
Airports across the country have been affected, with thousands of flights canceled or delayed. US Airways travelers have been hit by flight disruptions, with over 3,000 flights canceled on Monday alone.
Tragically, the winter storms have also resulted in multiple deaths. At least four people have died in the Portland area, with others losing their lives in Utah, Texas, and Wisconsin. Officials are warning that temperatures are expected to remain dangerously low, and a new wave of cold air is set to move south through the Northern Plains and Midwest, reaching the Deep South this weekend.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for much of the United States, and residents are being urged to take precautions and stay indoors if possible. Despite the challenging conditions, temperatures are expected to moderate by the middle of the week. #