Unusually violent winter storms swept across parts of the United States on Wednesday and almost brought public life to a standstill in many places. In a storm band stretching from the west coast to the Great Lakes on the border with Canada, around 280,000 households lost power, according to the energy suppliers, and more than 1,500 flights had to be canceled by the evening.
Snow warnings have been issued even for normally sunny areas near Los Angeles, California. For the state of Minnesota, the National Weather Service warned: “The historic winter storm will probably make travel impossible.” Only trips that are absolutely necessary should be undertaken. “If you must travel, take an extra flashlight, food and water with you in your car.”