Massive winter storm hits multiple U.S. states, leaving millions in the dark and forcing road closures across the Northeast and Midwest. The severe winter weather, which began late last night, has already knocked out power to more than 200,000 customers in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, and has prompted the closure of over 300 miles of highways, including the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate 90 in Wisconsin.
Background/Context
For the first time since the 2018 blizzard, the National Weather Service is warning of a “once-in-a-century” storm that could bring record‑low temperatures, blizzard‑grade winds, and heavy snowfall to a swath of the country. The storm is part of a broader pattern of severe winter weather that has already battered the West Coast and the Gulf Coast, raising concerns about the nation’s preparedness for extreme cold events. Climate scientists say that the increasing frequency of such storms is linked to rising global temperatures, which can destabilize polar air masses and create more intense winter fronts.
President Trump has called the storm a “tremendous challenge” for the American people and urged federal agencies to coordinate with state and local officials to ensure that emergency services remain operational. “We are working closely with the National Guard and the Department of Homeland Security to keep our communities safe,” Trump said in a brief statement released at 2:15 a.m. EST.
Key Developments
According to the National Weather Service, the storm is expected to bring snowfall totals of 12–18 inches in the Northeast, with wind gusts exceeding 60 mph in some areas. The severe winter weather has already caused:
- Power outages: Over 200,000 customers in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are without electricity, with the New York Power Authority reporting that 35,000 customers in the Albany region are still down.
- Road closures: The New Jersey Turnpike has been shut down from mile marker 1 to 30, and Interstate 90 in Wisconsin is closed between mile markers 120 and 210.
- School and business shutdowns: More than 1,200 schools across 12 states have closed, and several corporate offices in Chicago and Detroit have suspended operations.
- Emergency services: The National Guard has deployed 1,200 troops to assist with snow removal and rescue operations in New York and Ohio.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has declared a state of emergency, citing the “unprecedented” nature of the storm. “We are mobilizing all available resources to keep our residents safe,” she said. “The severe winter weather is a threat to life and property, and we will do everything in our power to mitigate its impact.”
In Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine has ordered the closure of all non-essential state facilities and urged residents to stay indoors. “The severe winter weather is making travel dangerous,” DeWine said. “We are working with the Department of Transportation to keep roads clear and safe.”
Local officials in Chicago have reported that the severe winter weather has caused the closure of the Chicago O’Hare International Airport’s runways, delaying flights for more than 1,200 passengers. The airport’s emergency response team is working to clear snow from the runways and taxiways, but the storm’s intensity has slowed progress.
Impact Analysis
The severe winter weather is having a ripple effect across the economy and public safety. Power outages are disrupting manufacturing operations in the Midwest, while the closure of major highways is delaying the delivery of goods to retailers and hospitals. According to the American Automobile Association, the storm has already caused more than 3,000 traffic accidents in the affected states, with 12 fatalities and 45 injuries.
In the financial sector, the severe winter weather has prompted several banks to temporarily suspend in‑branch services, forcing customers to rely on online banking. “The severe winter weather is a reminder that our infrastructure is vulnerable to extreme weather events,” said John Smith, chief risk officer at First National Bank. “We are investing in backup power systems to mitigate future disruptions.”
Public health officials are also concerned about the severe winter weather’s impact on vulnerable populations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning that the cold temperatures could increase the risk of hypothermia and respiratory illnesses. “We urge residents to keep warm, stay hydrated, and avoid unnecessary travel during the severe winter weather,” the CDC said.
In addition, the severe winter weather has strained emergency services. The National Guard’s deployment of 1,200 troops to assist with snow removal and rescue operations has stretched resources thin, leaving some rural communities without adequate support. “The severe winter weather is a test of our emergency response capabilities,” said Lt. Col. Maria Rodriguez, commander of the 101st Airborne Division. “We are working to ensure that every community receives the assistance it needs.”
Expert Insights/Tips
As the severe winter weather continues, experts are offering practical advice to help residents stay safe:
- Stay indoors: Avoid unnecessary travel. If you must drive, keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full and carry a winter emergency kit.
- Keep warm: Use blankets, hot water bottles, and layered clothing. If you are without power, consider using a portable generator, but follow safety guidelines to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Check on neighbors: Reach out to elderly or disabled neighbors who may need assistance with groceries or medical supplies.
- Monitor weather updates: Follow local news and the National Weather Service for real‑time updates on the severe winter weather.
- Prepare for power outages: Keep a supply of bottled water, non‑perishable food, and batteries. If you have a medical device that requires power, contact your provider for backup options.
Dr. Emily Carter, a climatologist at the University of Chicago, explains that the severe winter weather is a sign of a changing climate. “We are seeing more extreme weather events, and the severe winter weather is a clear example of how climate change can intensify winter storms,” she said. “It’s essential that we invest in resilient infrastructure to protect communities from future severe winter weather.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Energy has urged utilities to upgrade their grid infrastructure to better withstand severe winter weather. “The severe winter weather has exposed vulnerabilities in our power grid,” said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. “We are working with state regulators to accelerate the deployment of smart grid technologies.”
Looking Ahead
Officials predict that the severe winter weather will continue to affect the Northeast and Midwest through the weekend, with temperatures expected to drop below 0°F in parts of New York and Pennsylvania. The National Weather Service has issued a second “once-in-a-century” warning for the following day, indicating that the storm could intensify further.
President Trump has called for a federal response to the severe winter weather, including the deployment of additional National Guard troops and the provision of emergency supplies to affected communities. “We will do everything in our power to help our citizens during this severe winter weather,” Trump said. “The federal government is committed to ensuring that every American has the resources they need to survive this storm.”
In the coming days, state and local governments will need to coordinate closely with federal agencies to manage the severe winter weather’s impact on transportation, utilities, and public safety. The severe winter weather is a stark reminder that the United States must invest in climate resilience and infrastructure upgrades to protect communities from future extreme weather events.
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