In brief
A bomb cyclone has left approximately 150 million people in the eastern U.S. under extreme cold warnings. Areas like North Carolina experienced nearly a foot of snow while Florida faced unusual cold temperatures, stunning iguanas into dormancy. This winter storm exacerbated ongoing power outages for thousands and caused extensive travel disruptions.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A massive winter storm impacted a wide area of the U.S. from the Gulf Coast to New England on Sunday, following a bomb cyclone that led to heavy snowfall and extensive flight cancellations. Approximately 150 million individuals are under cold weather advisories, facing wind chills dropping to near zero across the South, with South Florida experiencing its coldest temperatures since December 1989. As reported by meteorologist Peter Mullinax from the weather prediction center in Maryland, the Tampa-St. Petersburg region witnessed snow flurries and temperatures dipping into the 20s. The cold snap has left many iguanas inactive and dormantly prone, with icicles forming on fruits in the state. The cyclone is responsible for nearly a foot of snow around Charlotte, North Carolina, marking it as one of the top five snow events recorded in the city. Flight disruptions have seen over 2,800 cancellations across the U.S. on Saturday alone, with significant impact at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Additionally, the storm caused major traffic issues, with over 1,000 collisions reported on roadways, resulting in two fatalities according to North Carolina Governor Josh Stein. Ongoing recovery efforts revealed more than 97,000 people in Tennessee and Mississippi without power following previous winter storms, and calls for assistance were made as about 80 warming centers opened statewide. Meteorologist Mullinax indicated that parts of the Carolinas will be grappling with harsh weather conditions for several days. Expect further light snow in areas stretching from the Ohio Valley to the mid-Atlantic regions early this week.
