Deadly Arctic blast leaves dozens dead, disrupts travel nationwide
A powerful Arctic blast sweeping across the United States has left dozens dead and caused widespread travel disruptions, power outages, and dangerous conditions from Texas to the East Coast.
(CNN)-A powerful Arctic blast sweeping across the United States has left dozens dead and caused widespread travel disruptions, power outages, and dangerous conditions from Texas to the East Coast.
In North Texas, a devastating tragedy unfolded after three brothers — ages 6, 8, and 9 — died when they fell through the ice on a private pond north of Dallas. Their mother, Cheyenne Hangaman, described the frantic moments as she tried to rescue them, saying the ice kept breaking beneath her.
Officials say the extreme cold has contributed to dozens of storm-related and cold-weather deaths across several states.
The frigid conditions have also made roads treacherous, with many highways still slick with ice, leading to accidents and closures. Air travel has been heavily impacted as well, with flight cancellations rising sharply on Tuesday.
Travel disruptions extended to waterways, too. In New York City, ferry service was suspended due to icy conditions, a disruption officials say could last several days.
Power outages continue to linger across the country. According to tracking website PowerOutage.us, more than half a million electric customers were still without power as of Tuesday afternoon.
Despite the destruction, there have also been moments of heroism. In the Washington, D.C. area, Fairfax Fire and Rescue crews saved a young boy who had fallen into a storm drain. Battalion Chief Steven McFarland said crews faced frozen grates and difficult conditions but were able to safely pull the child out. Captain Mike Eddy called the rescue a rewarding moment for everyone involved.
Forecasters warn the dangerous weather pattern is not over yet. Meteorologists are now predicting a potential “bomb cyclone” to develop off the East Coast this weekend, which could bring even more severe weather to already-impacted areas.
