More than 800,000 people are without power across seven states as a massive ice storm, stretching for some 1,800 miles, threatens to cut power for millions.
Why It Matters
Ice storms are a particularly hazardous weather event, as small amounts of ice can snap tree limbs, down power lines and create impassable conditions on the roads. Half an inch to an inch can cripple infrastructure and delay power restoration for days.
The storm is causing a strain on energy systems. Plunging temperatures have boosted demand for heating, and potential freeze-offs curb natural gas production.
Travel warnings have been issued to millions of Americans over the ice storm. Two advisories issued have warned people against traveling as winter weather continues to impact the area, with the National Weather Service (NWS) saying that the storms pose a “threat to life and property” and could also lead to “widespread and long-lasting power outages.”
What To Know
The website Power Outages is reporting on the outages impacting customers across the country. Â
As of reporting on Sunday morning, the hardest-hit state Is Tennessee, where there are 280,000 customers without power.
In Texas, there are over 124,000 customers out of power, and over 130,000 in Louisiana. In Mississippi, there are more than 140,000 customers experiencing outages. Â
Georgia and Virginia have also been hit by outages, with over 30,000 customers without power in Georgia and more than 10,000 in Virginia.
In Kentucky, there are over 60,000 without power.
The NWS has shared a number of updates for the various states.
On Sunday morning, the X account for NWS warned, “Several more hours of devastating ice will continue to accumulate over N Mississippi and portions of W Tennessee near the Tennessee River. Widespread weather-related power outages, downed trees, and impassable roadways already occurring. Travel discouraged.”
Meanwhile, the account for NWS Austin posted on X on Sunday morning, “Frozen precipitation has come to an end over most areas. Cold temperatures stay in the 20s and 30s as highs over most places. Forecast wind chills between five below to single digits to the teens. Dangerous conditions remain over roadways.”
NWS Atlanta shared on X that “as freezing temperatures continue to surge westward across north Georgia, freezing rain (with some sleet) will become more widespread over the next several hours.”
What People Are Saying
AccuWeather Senior Vice President Evan Myer said in a news release: “It is rare for a storm to combine this much snow, ice and bitter cold over such a large area—a widespread travel-halting, winter storm will stall daily life for days.”
What Happens Next?
The NWS is constantly issuing updates on the situation in different states. Forecasters have warned that the storm’s impacts could linger for days.
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