The U.S. is in the grip of one of its most chaotic weather weekends in years.
From blizzards in the Northeast to unusual “steamnadoes” in Texas, the storm system shows no signs of letting up.
Officials warn that icy conditions and heavy snow could leave millions stranded and cause more power outages in the days ahead.
Steamnadoes Surprise Texans
In Texas, residents were treated to a rare and eerie sight: swirling water vortices rising from lakes, resembling tornadoes.
Known as “steamnadoes,” these phenomena occur when frigid air sweeps over unusually warm lake waters.
The National Weather Service confirmed the sightings, cautioning that the unpredictable storms are just the beginning.
Northeast Braces for Feet of Snow
Meanwhile, the Northeast is buried under heavy snowfall, with totals expected to reach 24 inches or more.
Massachusetts, including Nantucket, experienced sustained winds above 35 mph and near-zero visibility, creating blizzard conditions.
Boston recorded its largest storm in four years, prompting Governor Maura Healey to urge residents to stay home and help their neighbors where they can.
Catastrophic Ice Threatens the South
As snow continues in the north, southern states are preparing for a different hazard: “catastrophic ice.”
Meteorologists warn that a severe ice storm could leave millions in the dark, with power outages already affecting over a million Americans.
Emergency services are on high alert, and officials say the most dangerous conditions are expected between noon Sunday and midnight Monday.
Tragic Losses Amid the Storm
The storm has already claimed lives across the country.
In Kansas, a 28-year-old elementary school teacher, Rebecca Rauber, was found dead from hypothermia after disappearing on Friday night.
In Texas, one fatality has been reported in Austin, where emergency crews responded to hundreds of calls, including car accidents and cold-related illnesses.
Airports and Travel Chaos
Air travel has been heavily disrupted. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport saw massive crowds and cancellations, while a plane overturned at a Maine airport amid blizzard conditions.
More than 360 crashes were reported across Indiana alone, with officials urging drivers to stay off the roads whenever possible.
Streets and Cities Struggle
Ice-covered trees have blocked traffic lanes in Nashville, Tennessee, while photos from New York City revealed snow sneaking into the subway system itself.
Residents from coast to coast are being urged to stay indoors, check on neighbors, and prepare for more days of extreme weather.
Looking Ahead
Meteorologists warn that Monday could bring even harsher conditions.
The Northeast will continue to see heavy snow, while southern states could face dangerous ice storms.
Authorities remind the public that staying informed and avoiding unnecessary travel are the best ways to weather this intense storm safely.
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