Monster winter storm across the US claims at least 34 lives: What you need to know
At least 1,707 domestic and international flights were cancelled on Sunday. Photo: AP/ dailyO
When we say winter is coming, we usually think of warm, cozy blankets, Christmas, and snow. However, with global warming and climate change knocking on our door, the meaning of each season, even winter, has changed.
Winters have been particularly dangerous this time of year, with various parts of the world including the USA seeing storms. The ongoing massive storm in the US has claimed at least 34 lives till now.
What is happening in the US? Blizzard conditions, including heavy winds and snow has to lead to millions of people being stuck against a deep cold to weather a winter storm that has killed at least 34 people in the United States and is predicted to kill more after trapping some inhabitants inside their homes with piling snow drifts.
Around 1,707 domestic and international flights were cancelled on Sunday, December 25, according to the flight tracking site FlightAware.
How did it start? The storm unleashed its full fury on Buffalo, New York, with hurricane-force winds and snow causing whiteout conditions, paralyzing emergency response efforts.
Official Kathy Hochul said that almost every fire truck in the city was stranded on Saturday, AP reported.
According to Bob Oravec, lead forecaster for the National Weather Service in College Park, Maryland, much of the United States will have below-average temperatures.
The National Weather Service anticipates that temperatures will plummet by more than 20 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius).
Why now? K Srikanth, owner of Chennai Rains, spoke to dailyO and explained that the current extreme cold weather conditions over the eastern coast of the USA are due to the Jetstream bringing in artic cold due to the polar vortex.
The polar vortex is basically an area of low pressure with cold air. Due to the Jetstream dipping south some of the artic colds got pushed into parts of USA.