Polar storm in America: 30 dead and power outages
The severe polar storm battering the United States continues to claim lives, with the death toll rising to at least 30, while large swaths of the country are experiencing near-total paralysis of essential services and transportation. These tragic developments come amid an unprecedented cold wave that has sent temperatures plummeting to record lows, bringing life to a standstill in many states.
Details of human and material losses
US authorities have recorded at least 30 deaths due to weather-related incidents. Among the most tragic was a small plane crash Sunday night in Maine, which killed seven people. Other causes of death included traffic accidents caused by vehicles skidding, and deaths from hypothermia, as seen in Louisiana, as well as scattered incidents in Texas, New York, and Iowa.
On the infrastructure front, the weight of the accumulated ice and strong winds caused power lines to fall, leaving more than half a million homes and businesses without electricity. The outages were concentrated in southern states like Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana, areas historically unaccustomed to such harsh icy conditions, making their infrastructure more vulnerable compared to northern states.
Paralysis in air transport
The storm's damage wasn't limited to the ground; it extended to the skies as well. Aviation sources reported the cancellation of more than 22,000 flights since the crisis began last Saturday. Operations at major hub airports in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City were almost completely paralyzed. Experts indicate that this widespread disruption will lead to significant economic losses and supply chain delays for several days to come.
Polar vortex: The scientific context of the event
Meteorologists attribute this extreme weather to what is known as the polar vortex, a massive mass of cold air that typically swirls over the Arctic. Occasionally, this vortex weakens and expands southward, allowing frigid air to flow toward the United States and Canada. Scientists suggest that the increased frequency and intensity of these events in recent years may be linked to climate change, which is impacting global weather patterns—a topic that remains the subject of intense scientific research and debate.
Predictions for the coming days
The National Weather Service has warned that the worst may not be over, with temperatures expected to plummet further, making it feel as low as -45°C in northern areas. Meteorologist Alison Santorelli confirmed that power outages could last for several days, as maintenance crews struggle to reach affected areas and clear snow that is described as "dry and brittle," causing it to blow easily and reducing visibility.
In a related context, former President Donald Trump used the event to once again cast doubt on the phenomenon of global warming via social media platforms, sparking the usual controversy about the politicization of natural disasters within the United States.
