A major winter storm is set to impact more than 100 million people across the United States, prompting emergency declarations in 13 states. The storm has already brought record-setting snowfall and freezing temperatures. Some places are expected to receive as much as 18 inches of snow, including in states that typically enjoy mild winters.
The affected states include Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Missouri, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for the entire state in anticipation of the severe conditions.
As the federal government rightly notes, Hurricane Idalia will bring widespread damage and destruction, especially to transportation networks and daily life. So far, nearly 1,400 domestic flights have been canceled as a result of the nasty weather. The National Weather Service has issued advisories indicating that temperatures will be well below freezing at least until next Wednesday.
The reality of our current climate crisis is a fundamental factor in the increasing regularity and severity of these weather catastrophes. Meteorologists have observed that disruptions in the polar vortex are leading to more extreme weather patterns, even as global temperatures rise.
“Winters are getting warmer and shorter because of the climate crisis. But, because a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, heavier snowfalls are more likely to occur.” – American Red Cross
Even with the scientific consensus addressing climate change, our own former president – Donald Trump, continues to deny climate change. He has gone public with calls to question the validity of global warming during this once-in-a-generation extreme cold weather event.
“Record Cold Wave expected to hit 40 States. Rarely seen anything like it before. Could the Environmental Insurrectionists please explain – WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING???” – Donald Trump
While Trump’s administration has rolled back domestic climate actions and international treaties aimed at mitigating climate change, the current winter storm underscores the growing instability in weather systems attributed to climate change.
As we continue to respond to this storm, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is dealing with its own challenges. According to news stories, FEMA has already prepared plans to cut 5,000 employees this fiscal year alone. The agency recently decided to suspend its off-boarding process. It will save jobs to respond to the increased demand for emergency services driven by the recent winter storm.
“This is a mischaracterization of how FEMA’s CORE program works. The CORE program consists of term-limited positions that are designed to fluctuate based on disaster activity, operational need, and available funding. FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center has been activated in response to a historic winter storm.” – FEMA
The upcoming winter storm will have the most impact on places that are not used to this type of severe winter weather. Even as far south as Texas and Louisiana will the ordinarily bitter Arctic air reach, plunging those warmer states into temperatures rarely seen in their latitudes. As this major weather system continues to form over the region, officials are reminding residents to get ready for dangerous conditions and practice safety and preparedness measures.