United States faces its worst snow and cold in over a decade with Polar Vortex sweeping across the country
Thousands of flights were delayed or cancelled across the United States as over 60 million Americans living in more than 30 states were caught in the grip of a huge winter storm that is expected to bring heaviest snowfall and coldest temperatures in more than 10 years.
Driving conditions all over US are treacherous, warns weather service
Cold, freezing winds began sweeping from the North Pole began to sweep down the United States and led to a dramatic fall in temperatures and numerous states including West Virginia, New Jersey, Kentucky, Virginia, Kansas, Arkansas and Missouri all declared a state of emergency. Thirty US states spanning from the middle of the country to the east coast, including major cities like Washington DC and Philadelphia, have seen severe winter conditions. More than 5,000 flights were cancelled or severely delayed by the first half of Sunday and the disruptions are likely to intensify further as no respite from cold is foreseen for at least a day more.
Kansas and Missouri are among the areas expecting the worst of this storm, and by Sunday afternoon more than 25cm of snow had already fallen in some areas. Winter weather forced the closure of all highways in the north east of Kansas, and the cancellation of thousands of flights from Kansas City airport, just over the border in Missouri, which too received heavy snowfall.
Arctic blast hits UK as well
United Kingdom too has seen its share of snowfall over the weekend (Photo: X)
Across the Atlantic, travellers in many areas of Britain also face disruptions in transport to continue on Monday after large parts of the country were hit by an Arctic blast on the weekend and which is likely to continue, with lower intensity, bringing more snow, freezing rain, and ice.
As a result of heavy snowfall on Sunday, several major airports across the United Kingdom were forced to close their runways due to dangerous weather conditions. Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds Bradford airports announced closures on Sunday, citing heavy overnight snow that made runway operations unsafe.
By Sunday night, Birmingham Airport reported that it reopened its runway after extensive snow-clearing efforts but travel warnings continued to stay in place. The situation is similar at other airports, notably Bristol.
The UK weather bureau, Met Office, updated its severe weather warnings for large parts of the UK, including the Midlands, Wales, and much of northern England. It asked people to avoid unnecessary travel as conditions remain treacherous, with icy roads and reduced visibility creating hazardous situations for motorists.
It was not just aviation that was hit by the heavy snow as numerous roads were also closed due to heavy snowfall and ice, cutting off many parts of the country and impacting public transport as well. Thousands were also left without electricity as power outages were reported in several regions.
Authorities have cautioned people to exercise caution, particularly in areas under severe weather warnings. They have asked travellers to monitor updates from transport operators and consider alternative arrangements where possible. Motorists have been advised to carry emergency supplies, including warm clothing and food, in case of becoming stranded.
The Met Office has said that the Arctic conditions are expected to persist over the next few days, with warnings of further snow and ice. An amber weather warning has been extended into Monday morning, but now covers a smaller area, spanning parts of Cumbria, Lancashire and the Lake District. Less severe yellow weather warnings are in force for large parts of Scotland, Wales and elsewhere in England.
The UK Environment Agency has said it is monitoring swollen rivers around the country as some are near to bursting their banks.
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