US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he had approved emergency declarations for ten states severely impacted by intense winter storms sweeping across the country. In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized that the federal government is collaborating closely with FEMA, state governors, and emergency management teams to prioritize public safety during this period of extreme cold and heavy snowfall.
States Receiving Federal Emergency Support
President Trump specifically named Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, and West Virginia as the beneficiaries of these emergency declarations. He urged residents to "Stay Safe, and Stay Warm!" as the storms continue to affect large regions. This move follows earlier approvals on Saturday for additional states, including South Carolina and Virginia, which are also in the storm's path.
Impact of Emergency Declarations
Such emergency declarations play a crucial role in disaster response by temporarily easing spending restrictions. This enables state governments to mobilize resources more swiftly and seek federal assistance without bureaucratic delays. At least twenty states have now declared states of emergency, reflecting the widespread nature of the crisis.
Widespread Disruptions and Power Outages
The winter storm warnings have placed nearly 140 million people, accounting for over 40 percent of the US population, on high alert from New Mexico to New England. In Louisiana, freezing rain and icy conditions led to power outages affecting approximately 50,000 customers, according to data from Poweroutage.us. Similar challenges were reported in other southern states, where power crews worked diligently to restore electricity.
Meteorological Warnings and Forecasts
The National Weather Service issued warnings of widespread snowfall and potentially severe ice accumulations from east Texas to North Carolina. By midday Saturday, up to a quarter inch of ice had been recorded in parts of southeastern Oklahoma, eastern Texas, and Louisiana. Meteorologist Allison Santorelli highlighted the storm's uniqueness, noting that the subsequent extreme cold would slow melting, hindering recovery efforts.
Transportation Chaos and Flight Cancellations
The storm's impact extended to air travel, with over 12,000 flights cancelled across the United States over Saturday and Sunday, as reported by FlightAware. Major airports experienced significant disruptions:
- Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport recorded over 700 cancelled departures and a similar number of arriving flights scrapped.
- Flight disruptions mounted at key hubs in Chicago, Atlanta, Nashville, and Charlotte, North Carolina.
Storm's Progression to the Northeast
After battering southern states, the storm was forecast to push into the Northeast. The National Weather Service predicted snowfall of about 1 to 2 feet from Washington through New York to Boston, raising concerns about further travel delays and safety hazards. Governors in more than a dozen states have declared emergencies or advised residents to remain indoors to avoid the dangerous conditions.
This coordinated response underscores the severity of the winter storms, with federal and state agencies working tirelessly to mitigate risks and support affected communities across the nation.
