A powerful winter storm barreled across the western and central United States this week, unleashing fierce winds and heavy snowfall that upended daily life for thousands. At its peak, wind gusts reached 231 km/h (143 mph) at Mount Coffin, Wyoming, marking one of the strongest non-tropical wind events recorded in the region.
Utilities reported that roughly 750,000 customers lost power across multiple states, from California's snowbound mountains to the plains of Nebraska. Restoration crews are racing against icy conditions and falling trees to bring lights back on before temperatures plunge further.
The storm's heavy snow and freezing rain forced road closures on key highways and led to hundreds of flight cancellations at major airports. Commuters and travelers faced hours-long delays, while emergency shelters opened in communities bracing for subzero nighttime lows.
Meteorologists note that such extreme winter storms have grown more frequent in recent years as shifting climate patterns deliver erratic temperature swings and moisture surges. Experts say investing in resilient infrastructure and improved early-warning systems is critical to weather tomorrow's tempests.
Have you been affected by this week's storm? Share your stories and tips for staying safe during extreme weather, and stay tuned for updates on power restoration efforts and travel advisories.
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Storms batter western U.S., cut power to around 750,000 customers
cgtn.com
