Winter storm hits America: 8,000 flights canceled and millions warned

The United States is facing unprecedented air and road disruptions this season, with authorities and airlines announcing the cancellation of more than 8,000 flights scheduled for the beginning of this week. This widespread precautionary measure comes as a major winter storm approaches, expected to impact large swaths of the country and potentially causing serious damage to infrastructure and public safety.

Storm range and weather warnings

According to data from the U.S. National Weather Service, the storm is not confined to a narrow geographic area, but its effects extend from New Mexico in the southwest to New England in the northeast. Approximately 140 million people face severe weather warnings, including widespread and heavy snowfall, as well as what experts have described as a "dangerous band of ice" stretching from East Texas to North Carolina, making land travel nearly impossible in those areas.

Potential impacts on infrastructure

Authorities' concerns extend beyond travel disruptions; widespread power outages are also anticipated. Historically, ice storms have caused immense pressure on power lines and trees, leading to their collapse and leaving millions of homes and businesses without electricity for several days. Emergency teams in the affected states are on high alert to address any damage to power grids or major highways, which are vital arteries for transportation and the movement of goods.

General context and economic repercussions

This storm is part of a series of extreme weather events that North America experiences this winter, but the scale of flight cancellations reflects the severity of the current situation. This disruption is expected to have significant economic impacts, particularly on the tourism and air cargo sectors. When major US airports cease operations, the impact extends to global air traffic, potentially delaying the arrival of goods and passengers to and from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Under these harsh conditions, the authorities renewed their calls for citizens in the affected areas to exercise extreme caution, avoid travel except when absolutely necessary, and prepare the necessary supplies in anticipation of any emergency that nature may impose during the next few days.