By Ebi Kesiena
A powerful winter storm that swept across the northeastern United States over the weekend is easing, but not before leaving behind freezing temperatures, power outages, fatalities and major transportation disruptions.
According to flight-tracking website FlightAware, about 3,800 flights were cancelled on Monday, with a further 1,000 delayed, as heavy snow and freezing rain continued to affect large parts of the region.
Some residents embraced the snowfall despite the disruption. “I pray for two feet [61cm] every time we get a snowstorm. I want as much as we can get,” let the city just shut down for a day. It’s beautiful, and then we can get back to life.” New York City resident January Cotrel told The Associated Press.
Authorities reported more than 10 storm-related deaths nationwide. In New York, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said five people were found dead outdoors over the weekend.
Power outages were widespread. Data from poweroutage.com showed that more than 819,000 homes and businesses across the United States were without electricity on Monday, with the largest concentration in southern states hit by freezing rain and plunging temperatures.
In Louisiana, health officials confirmed two deaths linked to hypothermia, while icy conditions in Tennessee brought down power lines and further disrupted electricity supply.
Travel disruption is expected to continue. More flight cancellations were forecast throughout Monday, and additional snowfall is expected across the Appalachian Mountain region as the cold front moves offshore. On Sunday alone, more than 11,000 flights were cancelled, stranding thousands of travellers.
Heavy snow has also covered major roads, hampering local travel and prompting warnings from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local authorities urging residents to remain indoors where possible.
The National Weather Service in New York said temperatures are expected to stay below freezing throughout the week, although any remaining snowfall is likely to be light and should taper off by late Monday morning or early afternoon.
