A Monstrous winter storm that swept across a vast stretch of the United States over the weekend, leaving at least a dozen people dead. It has also caused widespread power outages, and paralyzing travel from Texas through the Northeast.
According to reports, the storm dumped more than 20 inches (50.8 cm) of snow in parts of the Northeast within a 24-hour period, according to the National Weather Service, stranding motorists, downing trees and power lines, and disrupting flights by the thousands. Southern Ontario, Canada, also reported serious disruptions.
In New York City, officials reported eight weather-related deaths between Friday and Monday morning as temperatures plunged into the single digits Fahrenheit. Central Park recorded 11.4 inches of snow.
Further south, more than 200,000 customers lost power in Tennessee. “There are many trees down and power lines blocking the roads,” said Joy Flores of the Nashville Rescue Mission, whose own home was without heat or internet. The deep freeze left residents grappling with extreme cold and darkness.
Other fatalities were reported across several states:
– In Texas, a teenage girl died and another was critically injured in a sledding accident in Frisco.
– Louisiana’s health department confirmed two hypothermia-related deaths.
– In North Carolina, a man was found dead on a highway in Buncombe County, with authorities investigating whether the storm was a factor.
At the miment, forecasters are warning that another significant winter storm could strike the eastern U.S. again this coming weekend.
