Flight operations hit, panic buying and power outage warnings: US gears up for heavy snow storm

PTC News Desk: Large parts of the United States are preparing for a massive winter storm that is expected to disrupt air travel and cause power outages as extreme cold grips the nation. Fresh snowfall was reported on Friday in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, signaling the arrival of a major storm system that is forecast to merge with harsh Arctic air and spread across wide regions. 

More than half of the country is now on alert as the storm moves from the Rocky Mountains toward the Great Lakes. Experts have warned that power cuts could last for several days in certain areas, while airlines have issued travel advisories urging passengers to brace for delays, cancellations, and schedule changes.

As residents rushed to prepare for the storm, grocery stores in several states were left with empty shelves due to panic buying. A Fox Business report noted that stores across Mississippi, Texas, and Washington, D.C., saw shortages of basic items such as water and milk, along with limited supplies of eggs, sausages, and hot dogs.

With forecasts predicting heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and dangerously low temperatures, travelers have been warned to expect disruptions. According to the Associated Press, citing FlightAware data, over 1,000 flights were delayed or canceled on Friday, and around 2,300 flights were scrapped for Saturday. More than half of Friday’s cancellations occurred in Dallas.

Meanwhile, freezing rain and snow are expected to damage power lines in some regions. Authorities in Nashville and Charlotte have advised residents to prepare for power outages, frozen water pipes, and hazardous road conditions. Power prices in these areas have also reportedly surged.