US Braces For Catastrophic Winter Storm As Flights Are Cancelled, Supermarkets Run Empty

A sweeping winter storm has put large parts of the United States on high alert, prompting panic buying, mass flight cancellations and emergency declarations across multiple states.

Weather authorities say the sprawling system could bring severe snow, freezing rain and dangerously low temperatures to vast stretches of the country, placing millions at risk of prolonged power outages and travel paralysis.

As the storm advances eastward, officials are urging residents to stay indoors and prepare for conditions that could remain hazardous well beyond the initial snowfall.

Severe Ice Accumulation Raises Alarm Nationwide

Forecasters warned that the storm carries the potential for "catastrophic ice accumulation," a scenario that could lead to "long-duration power outages, extensive tree damage, and extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions," according to the National Weather Service.

The system has already moved through the southwest and central regions and is now tracking towards the densely populated mid-Atlantic and northeastern states. Areas from New Mexico to the Eastern Seaboard are expected to face a dangerous mix of snow and freezing rain, followed by an intense blast of Arctic air.

Airports are already feeling the strain. Flight tracking service FlightAware reported that more than 2,700 flights scheduled for the weekend were cancelled, with Texas accounting for a significant share of disruptions.

Texas Power Grid Tested as Experts Urge Caution

In Texas, memories of the deadly winter storm that crippled the state's power grid five years ago have resurfaced. State leaders insist lessons were learned and improvements made since that crisis.

Republican Governor Greg Abbott told reporters the grid "has never been stronger, never been more prepared and is fully capable of handling this winter storm."

Despite those assurances, specialists warn that ice remains a serious vulnerability. Michael Webber, an engineering professor at the University of Texas, said ice buildup on trees and infrastructure could still trigger widespread outages if branches collapse onto power lines.

Health Risks Grow as Temperatures Plunge

Authorities are stressing that the cold itself may pose the greatest danger. In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul urged residents to avoid outdoor exposure, warning, "Five or six minutes outside could literally be dangerous for your health."

She advised people to take steps such as insulating pipes, operating heaters safely and checking on neighbours who may need assistance.

The storm is also disrupting daily routines nationwide. School districts in several states announced closures in advance, while sporting events, including a professional basketball game and dozens of college fixtures, were postponed. In New York City, newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani said remote learning was an option but did not announce school closures, even as some parents called for precautionary measures.

Polar Vortex Behind Extreme Cold as Emergencies Declared

Meteorologists attribute the extreme weather to a distorted polar vortex, a large area of cold, low-pressure air over the Arctic that has stretched and pushed frigid air southward into North America. Scientists continue to debate whether climate change is increasing the frequency of such events, though natural climate variability also plays a role.

President Donald Trump questioned the broader climate narrative, posting on Truth Social, "WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING???".

On the ground, officials remain focused on immediate response. At least 16 states and Washington DC declared states of emergency, allowing authorities to mobilise crews and open warming shelters. Across cities and towns, grocery stores saw long queues as supplies thinned. One supermarket north of Houston was reported to be nearly out of bottled water.

Some residents remained calm despite the uncertainty. "If the power stays on, we should all be fine," said Anne Schultz, 68.

In North Carolina, the Greensboro Police Department offered a tongue-in-cheek reminder on social media: "Please remember that whoever you hang out with on Saturday, you're stuck with until at least Tuesday when the ice melts."