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A winter storm wreaks havoc across the United States just before Christmas.
An arctic cold front is currently moving across large parts of the country.
Authorities warned that it would be so cold that there was a risk of frostbite within minutes.
Joe Biden, US President:
»This isn't just a snowy day, like from childhood. That is serious."
A winter front with extreme cold, heavy snowfall and freezing winds is expected in several states.
There is a weather warning for almost 280 million people.
The north and midwest of the country are particularly affected, but also the south of the USA.
According to weather experts, values of around minus 45 degrees Celsius have already been measured in the states of Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming.
In Kansas, three people died in traffic accidents due to extremely slippery Friday night.
Joe Biden, US President:
“Please take this storm very seriously. I don't know if your bosses will allow it, but if you have travel plans, you'd better go now. This is no joke."
The storm is disrupting holiday plans for millions of people, the days leading up to Christmas being one of the busiest travel times in the United States.
More than 4,500 domestic flights scheduled for the two days leading up to Christmas have been cancelled.
More than 1,200 of them in the greater Chicago area alone.
Kathleen Schmidt, travelers:
“We thought we could save time by flying closer to home, but now our flight to Iowa has been canceled twice. Luckily our daughter lives here, we can stay with her, but now she has to pick us up a second time.«
Robin Greene, Travelers:
»The flights disappeared from my computer when we tried to rebook. It's a bit stressful.«
The authorities called for precautionary measures to be taken.
In Chicago, people stocked up on supplies for the holidays and the days after Christmas.
Original sound:
“I was just in the shop so we don't have to go out this week. We'll probably be stuck in the house looking at the snow. (Journalist asks: Do you like this?) Yes, I love this, especially at Christmas.«
US media, citing weather experts, warn of the possible emergence of a particularly severe storm, a so-called "bomb cyclone".
In addition to likely impacting travel, the weather could also lead to significant icing and power outages, according to the National Weather Service.
