The United States is experiencing a severe wave of extreme weather, with snowstorms large parts of the country, bringing air and ground transportation to a near standstill during the holiday season. These extreme conditions have caused widespread chaos at airports, and official warnings indicate that heavy snowfall is expected to continue in the coming hours and days.
Air traffic paralyzed and thousands of flights cancelled
Media reports, including from Al Arabiya, indicate that winter storms have disrupted travel plans for millions of Americans. Data shows that nearly 16,000 flights , both domestic and international, have been canceled or delayed, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at airports. This disruption comes during peak travel season, compounding the challenges faced by airlines and airport authorities in managing passenger congestion and rescheduling flights.
State of emergency in New York and California
On the East Coast, New York for a snowstorm expected to be the most severe in three years, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency in several airports and counties to mobilize resources to cope with the accumulating snow.
Meanwhile, on the West Coast, California a state of emergency in Los Angeles and much of the southern part of the state, but for different reasons: heavy rains and flash floods. These rains raised serious concerns about dangerous flooding and mudslides, especially in areas previously affected by wildfires, prompting warnings for residents to take precautions.
Climate context and the impact of winter storms
These weather disturbances result from the convergence of cold air masses from the Arctic with moist air currents, creating ideal conditions for the formation of powerful winter storms, sometimes called "bomb cyclones," when atmospheric pressure drops rapidly. While these phenomena are a part of North America's winter climate, their intensity and timing during peak travel seasons can have a devastating impact on infrastructure.
Economic and logistical repercussions
The impact of these storms extends far beyond flight cancellations, with far-reaching economic consequences. Disruptions to transportation disrupt supply chains, particularly for goods and parcels during the holiday season. Airlines incur significant financial losses due to compensation and resumption costs, while the immense strain on power grids, which may experience outages due to snow accumulation and high winds, presents local authorities with considerable challenges in ensuring public safety and the continuity of essential services.
