Over 1,500 Flights Cancelled Amid Massive Winter Storm in US; Warning Issued for Residents

On Wednesday, the United States was hit hard by severe winter storms, with heavy snow impeding travel in many places while unusual warmth was predicted for others. From the West Coast to the Great Lakes, blizzards that were predicted to bring up to two feet of snow fell, forcing the cancellation of flights and cutting off electricity to tens of thousands of people.

Even usually sunny regions close to Los Angeles and locations with more typical winter weather in the far north received warnings of heavy snowfall.

A historic winter storm that will probably make travel impossible is expected to dump two rounds of snow on sections of Minnesota, according to forecasters with the National Weather Service.

Warning Issued

A warning by the US State Department said there will be heavy snowfall and 35 to 45 mph northeast wind gusts (55 to 70 kph)... This will cause considerable snow drifting and blowing, and open areas will experience whiteout conditions. A caution stated that some drifts might be several feet deep.

If you are driving, make sure your car has extra food, water, and flashlights in case of an emergency. Moving should only be done in an emergency. Have a winter survival kit on hand if you must journey. Keep your car by your side if you become stuck, it added.

The snow storm on Wednesday caused more than 1,500 flights to be cancelled, knocked out electricity in California, and blocked highways from Arizona to Wyoming. Due to the storm, the Minnesota Legislature, offices, and schools have all been shuttered. Moving has also gotten more challenging.

Around 5,000 planes across the nation have been delayed as a result of the stormy weather.

The Wyoming State Transportation Department posted on Facebook that a significant snow storm is expected, and that secondary and Interstate roads may be closed for several days.

The wintry storm will approach the East Coast later this week. Even Ash Wednesday services were postponed at about 90 congregations in western Michigan due to the weather.

National Weather Service meteorologist Richard Bann said some mid-Atlantic and South-eastern towns set new high-temperature records by several degrees as the northern U.S. battles a winter blast.