US Gripped by Massive Winter Storm: Power Outages, Travel Chaos, and "Exploding" Trees

• A severe winter storm has plunged the United States into chaos with snow, ice, and plummeting temperatures, leaving over a million customers without power.
• The storm has impacted regions from New York and Massachusetts to Texas and North Carolina, causing frozen roads, flight cancellations, and school closures.
• Washington, DC, experienced significant snow and icy sleet, leading to the cancellation of a planned snowball fight and contributing to at least one death.
• Thousands of flights were canceled or delayed, with nearly 19% of scheduled flights affected on Monday, January 26.
• Forecasters warn of lingering bitterly cold temperatures and an unusual hazard: "exploding" trees, as residents struggle with damaged vehicles and infrastructure.

Why It Matters: A massive winter storm has caused widespread disruption across the US, leading to power outages, travel chaos, and extreme cold.