Oranjestad / Washington — A powerful winter storm sweeping across the United States has left more than one million customers without electricity, while severe ice, freezing rain, and snow continue to create hazardous conditions and widespread travel disruption.
The hardest-hit areas include parts of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana, where ice accumulation has damaged power lines and overwhelmed utility crews. Authorities have warned residents to avoid unnecessary travel as roads remain treacherous and restoration efforts are slowed by continuing cold and precipitation.
Air Travel Severely Impacted
The storm has triggered massive disruption at major U.S. airports, with thousands of flights canceled or delayed nationwide. Airlines have reduced schedules pre-emptively as ice, snow, and freezing rain complicate de-icing operations and ground handling.
Key airline hubs across the eastern and southern U.S. are affected, causing a ripple effect throughout the national air network.
Spillover Effects on Caribbean Routes
While weather conditions in the Caribbean remain stable, flights between the Caribbean and the U.S. are experiencing delays and cancellations, primarily due to disruptions at U.S. departure and arrival hubs. Travelers flying to or from the region are advised to closely monitor flight status, particularly on routes connecting through major U.S. cities.
Airlines have begun offering flexible rebooking options as crews, aircraft, and schedules are repositioned following the storm.
Emergency Measures and Warnings
Several U.S. states have issued emergency declarations as demand on energy infrastructure surges and restoration crews work around the clock. Officials continue to warn of:
- Dangerous road conditions due to black ice
- Extended power outages in some areas
- Ongoing travel disruptions through at least the next 24–48 hours
Advice for Travelers
Passengers planning travel between the U.S. and the Caribbean are strongly encouraged to:
- Check flight status directly with their airline
- Allow extra time for connections
- Prepare for possible rebooking or overnight delays
The storm is expected to gradually move eastward, but lingering cold and ice may continue to affect power restoration and air travel well into the coming days.
