Winter storm paralyzes the United States: more than 10,000 flights canceled and 850,000 without power

More than 10,000 flights scheduled for this Sunday were canceled in the United States due to the powerful winter storm that is hitting the east and south of the country. This figure is added to the more than 4,000 cancellations registered on Saturday, generating massive delays and affecting the mobility of millions of passengers.

Ronald Reagan National Airport, in Washington DC, announced the total cancellation of its flights this Sunday, accentuating the frustration of those trying to travel.

A WIDESPREAD EMERGENCY

The mayor of Washington DC declared a state of emergency, as the combination of snow, freezing rain and extremely low temperatures hits the eastern two-thirds of the nation.

As of Sunday morning, nearly 850,000 customers remained without power, leaving homes and businesses exposed to severe weather.

A “HISTORIC” STORM

President Donald Trump called the storm “historic,” and on Saturday approved federal disaster emergency declarations in several states: South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana and West Virginia.

Forecasters warned of dangerously cold winds and extremely low temperatures spanning from the southern plains to the northeast of the country, with prolonged impacts and serious risks to travel, infrastructure and citizen safety.

MASSIVE IMPACT

In total, the storm has impacted nearly 200 million people, or two-thirds of the United States population. So far, 37 of the 50 states report damage, and 22 states have declared a state of emergency.

Transportation services, schools and companies have been forced to suspend activities, while citizens prepare to face days of extreme weather.