Massive Winter Storm Threatens Half of U.S., Global Impact Felt
A monstrous winter storm is set to sweep across the United States, threatening half of the country with snow, sleet, and freezing temperatures. The storm, which has already prompted 12 states to declare emergencies, is expected to impact at least 230 million people. This severe weather event has also been felt globally, with heavy snowfall turning the Ganjnameh Waterfall in Hamedan, Iran, into a frozen spectacle.
A Global Cold Front
The cold front, which started to form in parts of the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains, is expected to surge across southern and midwestern areas in the U.S., from Friday, and blow up the east coast by Sunday. The event has also seen temperatures in Hamedan plunge to between –12°C and –15°C. According to Deutsche Welle, the storm is expected to hit Texas and travel all the way to the northeastern cities of New York and Boston.
Health Risks and Preparations
While Americans prepare for the storm, health experts are warning certain groups about the physical strain of shoveling snow. Fox News reports that a 2025 Mayo Clinic review found that just 10 minutes of heavy snow shoveling can push the heart to about 97% of its maximum rate, particularly for older adults. The National Weather Service has warned of widespread travel disruptions, prolonged power outages, and vast tree damage.
As the storm approaches, the National Weather Service has left more than 150 million Americans under some form of emergency warning. The New York Times reports that the path of the storm is not clear yet, but much of the country, including places unused to frigid weather, is bracing for the worst.
Global Warming Controversy
Amid the preparations, the severe weather has stirred up controversy over global warming. President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to mock what he described as environmental insurrectionists
, questioning, WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING???
in a post.
Current Status and Future Expectations
Currently, the massive winter storm is expected to sweep snow, ice, and brutal cold across nearly 2,000 miles from the south-west to the east coast, affecting more than 200 million people. The system is expected to disrupt travel, bring down trees and power lines, and create the risk of prolonged power outages, followed by dangerously cold air.
The weather systems are also having impacts far beyond the U.S., with a containment wall falling onto a train near Barcelona, Spain, due to bad weather, resulting in the death of the driver and at least 20 injured. In São Paulo, Brazil, a cold front is expected to lower temperatures and bring the risk of thunderstorms at the beginning of the week.
As the world braces for the impact of this severe weather, the need for preparedness and caution is paramount.