A winter storm from coast to coast brought snow and ice across the country, from Seattle to San Antonio, and brought cold temperatures and continuous blackouts to regions unaccustomed to the harsh winter.
At least 150 million Americans were under winter weather or ice warnings, according to the National Weather Service.
Southwest Power Pool, which manages the electricity grid in at least part of 14 states, ordered member electric utilities to start cutting electricity service because the region’s energy demand, driven by intense cold, was crushing the system.
“This is an unprecedented event and marks the first time that SPP has had to request controlled service interruptions,” said Lanny Nickell, chief operating officer for the power pool, in a statement.
Low temperatures were expected to persist from the Rocky Mountains to the Appalachians until Tuesday, with readings of 25 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit below normal for this time of year, the National Meteorological Service said.
Monday, February 15
Removing snow in Dallas.
A snow-covered road in Austin, Texas. The city was closed because of the storm.
A residential street in Austin.
Snow and ice reduced traffic on Interstate 40 in Nashville.
Travelers in Waco, Texas, trying to dislodge their cars from the snow.
A woman walking her dog at Smale Riverfront Park in Cincinnati.
A boy feeding pigs during the storm in St. Joe, Ark.
A snowball fight in Ridgeland, miss.
People working to free a vehicle stuck in Oklahoma City.
Craig Crow walked through the snow with his daughters in San Antonio.
A vehicle hauled a makeshift sled across the University of Texas campus in Austin.
February 14th
Michael Dado asked for money at an intersection in Oklahoma City. Given that he works in a restaurant he was fired during the coronavirus pandemic.
Snow covered the city streets in Tulsa, Okla.
A stop sign wrapped in an ice shell in northern Tulsa.
Sea creatures expected a warmer climate in Chicago.
Hail and snow closed roads in Dallas.
A signal gave a winter warning in Dallas.
February 13
Harrison Walsh skied near the Pike Place Market in Seattle.
Visitors to a popular restaurant near the Pike Place Market.
A Covid-19 test site was opened in Seattle.
A runner walked down a snowy street in Seattle.
Cars driving in the snow along Interstate 705 in Tacoma, Wash.