Background on the Storm and Its Impact
A powerful snowstorm continued to batter the southeastern United States on Sunday, bringing freezing temperatures that led to flight cancellations and power outages.
This extreme cold snap arrived a week after another cold front caused over 100 deaths and froze regions of the country unaccustomed to such frigid temperatures.
Affected Regions and Power Outages
By Sunday, nearly 156,000 customers remained without power, primarily in the southern states of Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana, according to poweroutage.us.
- Mississippi
- Tennessee
- Louisiana
Severe Weather Conditions and Travel Disruptions
The storm dumped snow on North Carolina and neighboring states Saturday, prompting authorities to advise residents against using roads and warning coastal homeowners of potential hazards.
North Carolina, South Carolina, parts of Georgia, eastern Tennessee, Kentucky, and southern Virginia were under winter storm warnings.
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Georgia (partially)
- Eastern Tennessee
- Kentucky (southern part)
- Southern Virginia
Key Impacts and Responses
The North Carolina Highway Patrol reported at least 750 traffic accidents.
Faust received 37 centimeters of snow, while in Gastonia, a train collided with a stalled truck on the tracks, leaving the vehicle destroyed without any injuries.
Cape Carteret experienced dangerous travel conditions due to strong winds pushing dense snow sideways, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to warn that travel was “dangerous and potentially deadly, especially if you become stranded.”
- NWS Warning: Travel is dangerous and potentially deadly, especially if you become stranded.
Flight Cancellations and Airport Operations
Over 1,800 flights were canceled on Saturday and Sunday at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, a major hub for American Airlines.
A “snow team” of 300 personnel worked to clear runways, streets, roads, and sidewalks.
At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest, more than 600 flights were canceled overnight Sunday, according to announcements.
Extreme Cold Temperatures and Power Restoration
The NWS reported that a rapidly intensifying coastal front would bring moderate to heavy snow and strong winds across the two Carolinas.
“An intense Arctic air mass behind the coastal storm will push sub-zero temperatures as far south as Florida by early Monday morning,” said the NWS, warning that this area would experience the lowest temperatures since 1989.
South Carolina is expected to see temperatures drop to -9 °C this weekend, with an average January temperature range of 2-15 °C in the region.
In Mississippi, Governor Tate Reeves stated that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers assisted in installing critical power generators, and authorities opened 79 shelters across the state.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Which states are most affected by the snowstorm and power outages?
- Q: How many people are without power due to the storm?
- Q: What are the travel conditions and warnings in the affected regions?
- Q: How many flights have been canceled due to the storm?
- Q: What are the expected temperatures in the affected regions?
A: Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia (partially), eastern Tennessee, Kentucky (southern part), and southern Virginia are experiencing the most significant impacts.
A: Nearly 156,000 customers remain without power, primarily in the southern states mentioned above.
A: Travel is dangerous and potentially deadly, especially if you become stranded. Winter storm warnings are in effect for North Carolina, South Carolina, parts of Georgia, eastern Tennessee, Kentucky, and southern Virginia.
A: Over 1,800 flights were canceled at Charlotte Douglas International Airport and more than 600 flights were canceled at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
A: South Carolina is expected to see temperatures drop to -9 °C this weekend, with Mississippi and other affected regions experiencing sub-zero temperatures.
