Chaotic weather conditions swept across the United States on Monday, affecting more than 100 million people with extremes from scorching heat in California to powerful winds near Washington, D.C. Severe storms in the eastern half of the country led to the cancellation of over 4,000 flights and delays for another 5,000, compounded by ongoing air travel disruptions due to a partial federal government shutdown.
Mid-Atlantic states experienced high winds and tornado threats, prompting early school closures. The Midwest and mid-Atlantic regions faced severe storms, leaving over 266,000 homes and businesses without power. Blizzards blanketed parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, while heavy rains caused flooding in Hawaii.
The House of Representatives in Washington postponed votes due to challenging travel conditions, with major airports like those in Washington, New York, and Chicago experiencing delays and cancellations. Meteorologists highlighted the clash of air masses contributing to the severe weather conditions.
The storm system moving from the Midwest to the East Coast brought the risk of high winds and long-track tornadoes, particularly impacting areas from South Carolina to Maryland. Residents were warned of wind gusts exceeding 112 km/h, posing threats to lives and properties.
Blizzard conditions persisted in Wisconsin and Michigan, with additional snowfall expected in upper Michigan. Over 120,000 homes and businesses lost power, affecting commuters in cities like Chicago and Milwaukee. Flight disruptions continued, with hundreds of flights canceled at major airports.
Following the storm, colder weather was forecasted along the East Coast, with freezing wind chills expected as far south as the Gulf Coast. The Midwest faced the possibility of heavy snowfall, while the Southwest braced for record-breaking temperatures, including triple-digit heat in Arizona and California.
In Hawaii, heavy rains triggered landslides and flooding, causing significant damage to homes and farmland. Parts of Maui received over 50 cm of rain, leading to road collapses and unprecedented weather conditions in the region.