Historic US Storm Leaves 217,000 Without Power, Grounds Thousands of Flights
A powerful and historic storm has swept across the United States, causing massive disruption. Over 217,000 people are without power, and thousands of flights have been grounded due to severe conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Massive Power Outages: More than 217,000 customers lost electricity.
- Travel Chaos: Thousands of flights cancelled or delayed; FAA issued ground stops.
- Severe Warnings: National Weather Service alerts for California, Oregon, Washington.
- Fatalities Reported: Storm linked to deaths in California and Oregon.
Widespread Disruption and Damage
The storm system brought heavy rain, snow, and strong winds, leading to widespread disruption. It has triggered flooding and landslides in several areas, compounding the crisis.
Extended Impact and Official Warnings
The severe weather is expected to persist for the next few days. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for multiple states, including California, Oregon, and Washington, urging residents to take precautions.
Transportation Gridlock
Air travel has been thrown into chaos. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was forced to issue ground stops at several major airports, leading to thousands of flight cancellations and delays nationwide.
A Powerful and Costly Event
Meteorologists are describing this as one of the most powerful storms to hit the US in recent years. Early estimates suggest it could cause billions of dollars in damage to infrastructure and property.
Tragic Loss of Life
The storm has been blamed for several fatalities. In California, one person died after a tree fell on their car. Separately, in Oregon, a man was killed when floodwaters swept his vehicle away.
This devastating event serves as a stark reminder of nature’s power and the critical need for preparedness during extreme weather events.
