A powerful snowstorm caused widespread disruption to transportation in the southern United States, with severe weather conditions leading to the cancellation of thousands of flights and serious traffic accidents, including a train collision with a truck, highlighting the scale of the crisis facing areas unaccustomed to this type of harsh winter weather.
A severe cold wave, accompanied by heavy snowfall, swept through states such as North and South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky, where record-breaking sub-zero temperatures were recorded. Authorities issued urgent warnings to residents, urging them to stay indoors and avoid roads that had turned into treacherous icy tracks, especially with snow accumulations reaching up to 37 centimeters in some areas.
General context and effects of extreme weather
This storm comes amid a growing pattern of extreme weather events hitting North America, which scientists link to climate change. While northern states are better equipped to handle harsh winters, infrastructure in southern states, including power grids and roads, is often less prepared for heavy snow and ice accumulation, leading to more severe disruptions. This latest storm comes just days after another winter storm claimed the lives of more than 100 people across the country, further straining emergency response teams.
Widespread repercussions for the transport sector and the economy
The storm's greatest impact was on the transportation sector. Charlotte-Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, a major hub for American Airlines, was forced to cancel more than 1,800 flights over the weekend, causing widespread disruption for both domestic and international travelers. On the ground, the situation was no better, with North Carolina State Highway Patrol alone recording approximately 750 traffic accidents. In one dramatic incident in Gastonia, a video showed a high-speed train crashing into a truck stopped on the tracks, completely destroying it. While no one was injured, the incident underscored the severity of the situation. The effects extended beyond transportation to the local economy, with schools and businesses closed and supply chains disrupted, resulting in significant economic losses for the region.
