Blizzard Devastates US: 17 States Under Emergency, 5 Fatalities in NY

A massive winter storm has brought the United States to a standstill, prompting the Department of Homeland Security to declare a state of emergency across 17 states. Beginning in Tennessee and Texas early Sunday, the blizzard has now expanded into a 1,500-mile-long weather system.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed five weather-related deaths as temperatures plummeted. The severe conditions have also led to the cancellation of approximately 15,000 flights at major hubs including New York, Washington D.C., and Boston.

Power Outages and Infrastructure: Federal authorities report that over half a million homes and businesses in Texas and Tennessee are currently without electricity. President Donald Trump has labeled the storm as "historic," maintaining constant communication with state governors to provide federal assistance. Meteorological experts predict that heavy snowfall, reaching up to 20 inches, will continue across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York through Monday morning.

Impact on Residents: The disaster has affected over 100 million people, including a significant number of Bangladeshi-Americans residing in the impacted states. Local authorities have issued stay-at-home orders, leading to deserted streets and the closure of businesses and schools. While educational institutions will remain closed on Monday, a decision regarding government offices will be made based on the evolving weather conditions.