Winter Storm: Blizzard Conditions Affects 100 Million People Across the US

A new winter storm has rampaged across the US on Wednesday, affecting 100 million people and disrupting travel across the country.

The storm brought more than 20 states under winter storm warnings or winter storm watches, bringing blizzard conditions due to significant snow accumulation and strong winds.

National Weather Service Issues Warnings and Advisories

A winter storm was reported moving east across the US on Wednesday, causing blizzard conditions from North Dakota and snow highways in Colorado and Kansas.

The winter storm has brought more than 20 states, including states in the Rocky Mountains, New England, and areas in Texas, are under winter storm warnings or winter storm watches as of Wednesday evening.

Weather forecasts show the winter storm will continue throughout the week and will continue to head in a north-eastern pattern toward Boston and New York.

According to the National Weather Service, a Winter Storm Warning means severe winter weather will result in extremely dangerous snow conditions that will affect travel.

Meanwhile, the NWS said a Winter Storm Watch means there will be a possibly significant accumulation of snow, sleet, or ice that might impact travel.

Furthermore, the NWS issued advisories for the public to prepare emergency items like food, water, and an extra flashlight during travel. The NWS also reminded the public to continue to monitor the latest weather forecasts related to the winter storm.

Snowfall and Strong Winds Causes Widespread Travel Disruption

The winter storm has caused widespread travel disruption across the US as of Wednesday evening. According to FlightAware, a total of more than 5,000 domestic and international flights across the US have been canceled, while more than 8,000 flights have been delayed.

United Airlines have issued pre-emptive cancelations to more than 600 flights for Thursday, as per CBS News. As compensation, the airline is providing winter storm-related travel waivers for passengers flying to and from the Northeast, Midwest, and Rocky Mountain regions.

In Michigan, the Weather Service stated snow accumulation from nine to 16 inches was expected from Wednesday until Thursday evening, and winter storm warnings will be in effect in several counties, including Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Van Buren, and Jackson.

The Weather service reportedly warned residents in the said areas that the winter storm will be a prolonged period of snow, as per New York Times.

In Chicago, more than five inches of snow have already accumulated by Wednesday evening. Some areas experience receiving more than 10 inches since the snowfall was expected to continue, as per CBS Chicago.

In addition, the northwest parts of Indiana have already received up to 10 inches of snow.

In Texas, local authorities are hoping to avoid another widespread power outage like last year since the southern areas are facing the risk of blizzard conditions from the winter storm, as per CBS News.

Recurring Winter Storms

The US is still recovering from last week's winter storm or snowstorm; also called a Nor'easter. The Nor'easter on January 29 impacted millions of Americans across the Northeast US. The winter storm brought heavy snowfall, strong winds, and blizzard conditions across the region, as per CBS News.

Last week's winter storm caused thousands of domestic and international flights across the US to be canceled and more than 100,000 people suffered from power outages.

Snow accumulation from the previous storm was significant in the states, including New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Winter storms are common in the US, especially during the winter season between December and March. Northern states experience the most snowfall during this season.