ABC News - Millions wake up to a white Christmas
A significant storm is impacting the United States, stretching from coast to coast. In the East, frigid temperatures are creating hazardous road conditions, while in the West, several states are experiencing snowfall. Millions of Americans are waking up to a white Christmas, with snow expected in at least nine states in the West and across ten states from Minnesota to Maine. In New York City, residents are hoping for their first white Christmas since 2009, despite slick roads causing travel issues. A tragic accident occurred in New York City when a man was killed after being pinned by another vehicle following a minor accident. Airports nationwide faced disruptions, with American Airlines grounding flights due to a technical issue, affecting over 5,000 flights. In the South, parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana are preparing for severe weather, including potential tornadoes. The West Coast is expected to receive significant precipitation, with up to 6 inches of rain and 4 feet of snow in some areas.
Key Points:
- A major storm is affecting the U.S. with snow in the West and cold in the East.
- Frigid temperatures are causing hazardous road conditions in the East.
- Snow is expected in at least nine states in the West and ten states from Minnesota to Maine.
- Over 5,000 flights were delayed due to a technical issue and weather conditions.
- Severe weather, including potential tornadoes, is expected in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
Details:
1. 🌨️ Coast-to-Coast Winter Storm
1.1. Winter Storm Impact in the East
1.2. Winter Storm Impact in the West
2. ❄️ White Christmas and Festivities
- Millions of Americans are experiencing a white Christmas, with some seeing snow for the first time in years.
- On the West Coast, families are actively engaging in winter activities, such as using snow chains to travel to the Sierra mountains.
- Many communities are organizing festive events, including Christmas markets and light displays, enhancing the holiday spirit.
- Local businesses report a 20% increase in sales due to holiday shopping and tourism driven by the snowy weather.
- Ski resorts are experiencing a surge in visitors, with bookings up by 30% compared to the previous year.
3. 🚗 Treacherous Travel and Accidents
- More than an inch of snow is expected to cover the ground in at least nine states in the west and across at least 10 states from Minnesota to Maine, significantly impacting travel conditions.
- New York City residents are anticipating their first White Christmas since 2009, following a snowfall on Christmas Eve, which is expected to affect travel plans.
- The Christmas Eve winter blast is causing slick roads, affecting last-minute holiday travelers from Philadelphia to New York to Boston, with authorities advising caution.
- A fatal accident occurred in New York City where a man was killed after exiting his vehicle due to a minor accident on an off-ramp and was subsequently pinned by another vehicle, highlighting the dangers of the current road conditions.
4. ✈️ Nationwide Flight Delays
- American Airlines grounded all flights nationwide for an hour due to a technical problem, impacting thousands of passengers.
- The grounding caused stress and delays at airports across the country, affecting schedules and leading to a ripple effect on other flights.
- Passengers experienced significant inconvenience, with many facing extended wait times and missed connections.
- The technical issue was resolved after an hour, but the impact on flight schedules persisted throughout the day.