Winter Storm Update: Nearly 200,000 Homes Without Power, 1,400+ Flights Canceled On Christmas Day

Topline

At least 28 people have died and more than 100,000 homes and businesses across the Mid-Atlantic and New England region were left without power on Christmas day as most of the U.S. continues to reel from a devastating winter storm that hit large parts of the country over the past week.

Key Facts

Crucial Quote

“The life-threatening cold temperatures and in combination with dangerous wind chills will create a potentially life-threatening hazard for travelers that become stranded, individuals that work outside, livestock and domestic pets,” the National Weather Service warned in its forecast on Sunday. The agency also noted that the winter storm is weakening as it moves westward, but warned that there will only be a “slow moderation of temperatures” going into Monday.

Key Background

The country is facing what the National Weather Service described as a “once in a generation” winter storm that began on Thursday and is expected to last until the end of the Christmas weekend. More than 1.5 million homes and businesses were hit by power outages due to the storm while around 20% of all flights were canceled across the country on Friday. The severe conditions have forced several states to issue a state of emergency while authorities urged residents to hunker down at home for Christmas.

Further Reading

In Photos: Record Snowfall And 2 Million Without Power As Elliott Batters States (Forbes)

Winter Storm Elliott: 4,300 Flights Canceled And These States Have Major Power Outages (Forbes)