Trump declares a state of emergency in 10 states to confront a winter storm
US President Donald Trump has formally approved a federal emergency declaration in ten states in the southeastern and central United States in response to the growing threats posed by a powerful and historic winter storm that is hitting large areas of the country, paralyzing transportation and threatening energy infrastructure.
The White House explained in an official statement that the president's decision to declare a state of emergency covers a wide range of affected states, including Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, and West Virginia. This measure is intended to enable the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate disaster relief efforts and provide the necessary resources to support local authorities in these states.
The US administration is currently working in close and continuous coordination with the governors of the affected states to ensure a rapid response to any potential consequences. Snow and ice cover a vast geographical area extending more than 2,000 kilometers inland, making it one of the most extensive storms in recent years. Weather maps indicate that the storm's impact is not limited to the South, but extends along a path exceeding 3,000 kilometers, from Texas in the South to New England in the Northeast, throughout the weekend.
Logistically and in terms of public services, such winter storms pose significant challenges to power grids. The accumulation of ice on power lines and trees leads to widespread power outages, forcing authorities to exhaust all maintenance crews. The severe weather also causes the cancellation of thousands of flights and the closure of highways, disrupting supply chains and interstate transportation.
In the context of official warnings, the US president urged all citizens in the affected areas to exercise extreme caution, adhere to the instructions of local authorities, and protect themselves by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying indoors. Federal intervention in such situations is a crucial step to expedite snow removal and provide urgent assistance to communities that may be trapped by the storm, reflecting the severity of the situation and the critical need for concerted governmental and community efforts to overcome this climate crisis.
