President Donald Trump approved emergency declarations in at least a dozen states, with more expected
Digital Desk: A powerful winter storm has swept across the United States, causing widespread disruption to air travel and daily life. More than 13,000 flights were cancelled between Saturday and Monday, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware, with cancellations expected to rise as the storm moves from Texas toward New England. Airlines warned that some airports could face disruption levels similar to those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
By 9:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, outbound flights were reduced by 90% from Memphis, 76% from Oklahoma City, and 75% from Dallas-Fort Worth. Major airports in Austin, Charlotte, and Nashville also reported severe delays, while Washington, D.C., and New York were expected to see growing impacts as the storm progresses.
The National Weather Service reported that roughly 140 million people—over 40% of the U.S. population—were under winter storm warnings stretching from New Mexico to New England. The system is bringing heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain, with forecasts warning of frigid conditions that could persist for several days. “The snow and ice will be very slow to melt and won’t be going away anytime soon, which will hinder recovery efforts,” said meteorologist Allison Santorelli.
In response, President Donald Trump approved emergency declarations in at least a dozen states by Saturday, with more expected. The Federal Emergency Management Agency pre-positioned supplies, staff, and search-and-rescue teams, while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the seriousness of the situation.
Forecasters warn that the storm’s ice and snow could cause damage comparable to a hurricane, with power outages and hazardous road conditions expected across multiple states. Residents are being urged to exercise caution and stay updated on local advisories as the nation braces for continued disruption.
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