More than 87 million people across the United States are on high alert due to an intense Arctic cold wave. Temperatures have plunged up to 28°C below average, with meteorologists warning that the drop could reach as much as 30°C—shattering 270 records in at least 27 states.
The extreme chill has forced Arkansas, North Carolina, and Virginia to declare states of emergency as temperatures hit critical levels. This brutal cold snap has also unleashed heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and significant ice buildup, severely disrupting mobility throughout the country and tragically claiming 17 lives.
Which Areas Are Most Affected by the Extreme Cold?
- North Dakota and Montana: Dangerous wind chills capable of freezing skin in minutes. In Bismarck, North Dakota, the coldest day in over 16 years was recorded.
- Arkansas, North Carolina, and Virginia: States of emergency have been declared in response to the extreme winter conditions.
- Texas: Several cities are experiencing record low temperatures, with differences of up to 45°C between the northern and southern parts of the state.
- Kentucky and Virginia: These states have reported most of the 15 deaths linked to the winter storm, primarily due to hypothermia.
Disruptions in Transportation, Energy, and Daily Life
- Read also: HAARP Project: A Conspiracy Theory About The Apocalyptic Weapon Behind the Worst Natural Disasters
🚨🇺🇸 Meanwhile in Detroit, US
Holy crap – first Detroit flooded & then it froze ‼️ pic.twitter.com/NKq7dfUTDi
— Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) February 19, 2025
The storm has caused severe interruptions along major transportation routes. Highways, such as Interstate 44 in Oklahoma and Missouri, have been shut down. Hazardous weather conditions have led to the cancellation of more than 5,000 flights in recent days, along with thousands of delays across various states.
Additionally, the surge in electricity demand—driven by the heavy use of heating—has affected thousands of households, leading to blackouts and energy shortages in states experiencing never-before-seen temperatures.
In response to these treacherous cold conditions, numerous school districts in both the eastern and parts of the western United States have canceled in-person classes in favor of virtual learning, citing the risk that freezing temperatures and dangerous driving conditions pose to children and their families.
Every year, winter storms in the United States cause losses exceeding $1.2 billion. Moreover, perilous road conditions result in approximately 1,000 deaths and leave more than 100,000 people injured.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Natalia Rodriguez in Ecoosfera.
