Winter

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A powerful winter storm sweeping across the United States has claimed at least 10 lives and caused widespread disruption, with authorities urging residents to stay off roads as freezing conditions continued into Monday.

According to a report by Al-Jazeera, at least 20 states, along with the US capital, Washington, DC, declared states of emergency after snow, sleet and freezing rain knocked out electricity to nearly a million people. Power outages, flight cancellations and dangerous travel conditions affected large parts of the country.

As the storm moved east and south, forecasters warned that a trailing Arctic air mass could push temperatures to dangerously low levels for several days. The US National Weather Service (NWS) said Americans should expect similar conditions to continue into Monday morning.

In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that five people were found dead outdoors over the weekend during subzero temperatures. While he did not directly link the deaths to the storm, he told reporters there was “no more powerful reminder of the danger of extreme cold”.

Texas authorities reported three deaths, including that of a 16-year-old girl who died in a sledding accident. In Louisiana, the state’s Department of Health said two people died from hypothermia.

PowerOutage.com data showed that more than 840,000 customers were without electricity as of Sunday night. The worst-hit areas were mostly in the southern United States, where the storm strengthened on Saturday. Tennessee recorded more than 300,000 homes and businesses without power after ice brought down power lines. Louisiana, Mississippi and Georgia each reported over 100,000 outages.

Officials warned that the loss of electricity posed a serious risk, especially in the South, where extreme cold is less common and temperatures could break records, according to the NWS. Residents were advised to remain indoors due to hazardous conditions.

Air travel also faced major disruptions. Several major airports in New York, Philadelphia and Washington, DC, cancelled nearly all flights scheduled for the day.

Meteorologists explained that the storm resulted from a stretched polar vortex, a system of cold, low-pressure Arctic air that can expand and send frigid temperatures across North America. Scientists said such events may be linked to climate change, although natural climate variability also plays a role.

The NWS warned that heavy ice could lead to “long-duration power outages, extensive tree damage, and extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions”, particularly in states not accustomed to severe winter weather.

Authorities also cautioned that life-threatening cold could persist for up to a week after the storm, especially in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Forecasts show wind chill temperatures dropping to as low as -45 degrees Celsius (-50 degrees Fahrenheit), levels that can cause frostbite within minutes.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Taking care of your skin during the cold season is very important because the cold weather can cause the skin to become dry, lose its softness, and become rough.

Here are some steps you can follow to take care of your skin during the cold season:

1. Drink Plenty of Water: During the cold season, people often breathe in dry air, which can cause the skin to lose moisture. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated.
2. Use Moisturizer: Make sure to use a moisturizer or lotion that will add moisture to your skin. The moisturizer helps to lock in moisture and prevent the skin from drying out. During the cold season, it is best to choose a long-lasting moisturizer that will work in cold conditions.
3. Avoid Hot Water: Many people use very hot water to bathe during the cold season. However, hot water can lead to skin dryness. It is better to reduce the use of hot water and wash your skin with warm or cool water instead.
4. Use a Humidifier: In the cold season, indoor air can become dry, which further contributes to skin dryness. Using a humidifier helps to add moisture to the air, which helps keep the skin from becoming dry.
5. Take Care of Your Clothing: Cold-weather clothing such as coats, scarves, and gloves are very important. They help protect the skin from cold air that can cause further dryness. Also, make sure that your clothing is comfortable and does not irritate your skin or cause additional dryness.
6. Apply Oils and Skin Care Products: If your skin begins to feel extra dry or unhealthy, you can apply oil or lotion that will reduce roughness and soothe your skin.
7. Avoid Using Harsh Soap: Harsh soaps can dry out the skin, so it is better to use mild soap or soap that does not strip moisture from the skin.
8. Eat Foods Rich in Vegetables and Skin Oils: Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E help maintain skin health during the cold season. Vegetables, nuts, and olive oil help repair the skin and keep it soft.Through following the above steps, you can take care of your skin during the cold season and ensure that your skin remains healthy, soft, and well-hydrated.