Extreme Weather Sweeps Across U.S., Disrupting Daily Life
CHICAGO, Jan 12 (Reuters) – Tens of millions of Americans find themselves in the path of perilous weather conditions, with snowstorms sweeping across the Northwest and Midwest, flooding threatening the East Coast, and potential tornadoes looming in the South.
Flight Disruptions and Travel Warnings
Airlines have been forced to delay more than 7,600 flights across the U.S. on Friday, with Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport experiencing grounding due to strong winds and blinding snow. The National Weather Service (NWS) is advising against unnecessary travel, particularly in Chicago where road visibility is less than half a mile.
Blizzards and Power Outages Grip the Midwest
Blizzards have hit the upper Midwest, bringing heavy snowfall and fierce winds of up to 60 miles per hour (96 kph), expected to persist into Saturday. Michigan alone has seen over 133,000 homes and businesses losing power, and additional outages affecting 150,000-plus customers in Wisconsin, West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Severe Cold and Cautionary Measures in Iowa
Meteorologist Zack Taylor from the NWS warns of frostbite and hypothermia risks in Iowa, where temperatures are forecasted to drop below zero degrees Fahrenheit (minus 18 degrees Celsius). Des Moines, the state capital, anticipates record-breaking cold temperatures for Monday’s caucuses, prompting concerns about the impact on voter turnout.
Political Events Disrupted in Iowa
Republican presidential candidates have canceled events in Iowa, just days before the state’s caucuses, in response to the dangerous weather conditions. Even Donald Trump’s planned rally in Pella, Iowa, faced cancellation due to the challenging weather.
Impact on Political Campaigning and Voter Turnout
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley opted for phone-in events, while concerns about the weather affecting caucus attendance persist. Fred Schuster, a resident watching a campaign event in Iowa, expressed worries about the weather’s impact on voter turnout.
Schools and Flights Affected in Chicago
While Chicago Public Schools remained open, numerous districts in the metro region canceled in-person classes. The snow and wind contributed to 2,230 flight cancellations and over 7,600 delays across the U.S., with Chicago’s airports topping the list.
Snowfall Predictions and Warnings Across Regions
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is expected to receive significant snowfall, with 12 to 18 inches and wind gusts up to 40 mph. Western New York, including Buffalo, could see over a foot of snow, with additional lake-effect snow expected after the system moves east.
Flood Threats and Tornado Warnings
Over 13 million people along the Atlantic Ocean and waterways from Virginia to New England face the threat of flooding from heavy rains and snow. In Mississippi, 3 million people are under the threat of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, with winds reaching up to 60 mph.
Broad Impact of Winter Storm System
The Pacific Northwest is also experiencing a winter storm, while the Central Rockies anticipate heavy snowfall, potentially reaching “a couple of feet” at higher elevations over the weekend, according to meteorologist Zack Taylor.
