Several US states declare states of emergency after winter storm
Several US states and the US capital, Washington, have declared a state of emergency as they prepare for one of the most severe winter storms in recent years, US media reported on January 23.
Accompanied by heavy snow and icy winds, the storm will spread over a distance of about 3 kilometers, from New Mexico in the southeast to Maine in the northeast over the weekend, the meteorological service warned.
According to US media reports, airlines have already canceled hundreds of flights as a precaution. Many schools have also canceled classes on Friday as a precautionary measure.
There are also fears that there could be major power outages, for example due to possible falling trees or power poles.
About 160 million people have been issued weather warnings or advisories. US authorities have urged people to stay indoors, if possible, and not use cars.
In parts of Minnesota and North Dakota, temperatures could drop to minus 45 degrees Celsius, according to the US meteorological service.
Across New York state, Governor Kathy Hochul warned that the cold could be "deadly."
The US capital, Washington, also declared a state of emergency due to a snowstorm expected over the weekend. The measure is effective immediately, said the city's mayor, Muriel Bowser.
Snowfall in the city of about 700.000 is expected to begin Saturday evening and continue through Sunday, and possibly into Monday. The US National Guard has been asked to provide motor vehicles to support emergency services.
Bowser said the snowfall will be the heaviest in a long time, adding that there will likely be frost on the roads. She urged residents to stay indoors and have backup lighting in case of emergencies.
US President Donald Trump, reacting to the winter storm, criticized climate experts.
“Can environmentalists explain to us: WHAT HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING,” he wrote on Truth Social.
Global warming means that temperatures are gradually increasing on a long-term average.
According to experts, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events is also fueling global warming, including storms and heavy rains.
