A brutal cold wave has swept across the United States, marking one of the most extreme winter episodes in recent decades.
Temperatures have dropped to alarming levels, while authorities speak of a "historic" storm that is expected to affect up to 220 million people nationwide.
In New York, the thermometer dropped to -23 degrees Celsius, while in the Northern Plains temperatures reached record levels of -46°C, turning the weather into a serious threat to life and infrastructure. About 40 states have been put on alert, while 12 of them have officially declared a state of emergency.
The situation is particularly problematic in northwest Texas and Oklahoma, where heavy snow and ice have caused massive power outages. According to preliminary data, about 24,000 households have been left without electricity and heat.
Even major cities like Chicago are facing extreme conditions, with temperatures dropping to -27 degrees Celsius, raising serious concerns about the safety of residents, especially the homeless and the elderly. The governors of several states, including Arkansas, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina, have taken emergency measures.
The National Guard has been put on alert to intervene in the hardest-hit areas, as well as to assist in the distribution of aid and maintaining order.
The crisis has also paralyzed air travel. More than 10,000 flights have been canceled, causing chaos at the country's major airports. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport was hit hardest, with more than 1,200 flights canceled over the weekend alone. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the state had mobilized more than 1,600 snowplows and about 114,000 tons of salt, warning that "no corner of the state will escape Mother Nature's wrath."
National Weather Service meteorologists are describing the storm as a rare and extremely dangerous phenomenon. According to experts, the thick layers of ice expected to form could cause serious damage to power lines, roads and buildings, leaving long-term consequences.
Footage from the ground shows long lines of citizens outside stores for basic supplies, while shelves are rapidly emptying.
Fear and uncertainty have gripped many areas, as authorities urge citizens to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel. "This is a storm that will be remembered for years," meteorologists warn, as the US faces one of the toughest tests of this winter.