Several US states are battling one of the most severe winter storms in years, which has already claimed seven lives. Governor Kathy Hochul has warned that New York is facing its most extreme winter conditions in recent history.
Heavy snowfall, rain, and freezing winds have taken over dozens of states, including Washington, New York, Texas, Oklahoma, and New Jersey.
In rural parts of New York, temperatures plummeted to a bone-chilling -49°C. Specifically, the city of Watertown recorded -34°C, while the village of Copenhagen hit the -49°C mark.
More than 16,000 flights have been cancelled nationwide, and over 800,000 customers are currently without power.
Emergency orders have been issued in 24 states, with fears that over 240 million people across 40 states could be affected by the life-threatening cold.
In response to the “bone-chilling” conditions, authorities have taken the following measures:
All federal offices in Washington, D.C., will remain closed on Monday.
New York City schools have shifted to online classes.
Officials have urged citizens to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, as an additional 8 to 18 inches of snow is expected in various parts of New York.
Governor Kathy Hochul, alongside Mayor Zohran Mamdani, described the storm during a press briefing as a “dangerous and bone-freezing” event, emphasizing that the extreme cold poses a significant risk to life.
