Much of the United States remained in the grip of an Arctic blast on Monday, causing power outages for many customers in northern states and Texas. This extreme weather might also have an impact on voter turnout in Iowa, as they prepare to cast their first ballots for a Republican candidate in the upcoming presidential race in November.
The US National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that the dangerously cold weather will continue throughout the day, affecting the Midwest the most. Snow and freezing rain are also expected in the Southern and Mid-Atlantic states.
In Iowa, temperatures are set to plummet to a life-threatening -35 degrees Fahrenheit (-37 Celsius) on Monday night, when voters will gather for caucuses to select a Republican presidential nominee.
Due to the hazardous conditions, Republican candidates have canceled their campaign events on Sunday. Despite this, they are encouraging their supporters to brave the icy temperatures and ensure their votes are cast.
While the extreme weather may deter some voters, it is unlikely to change the clear advantage that polls give to former President Donald Trump, who leads over his main rivals, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.
States including Montana, South Dakota, and North Dakota will experience wind chills as low as -58 degrees Fahrenheit (-50 Celsius).
FLIGHTS AND POWER DISRUPTIONS
Thousands of flights within, into, and out of the United States have been delayed or canceled on Monday. The worst disruptions have been reported at Denver International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport, as stated by the flight-tracking website, FlightAware.com.
Power has been restored in many areas that were affected by the winter storm over the weekend. However, as of midday Monday, more than 100,000 customers in Oregon and tens of thousands in Texas, Pennsylvania, and Michigan are still without power, according to data from PowerOutage.US.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has requested customers to conserve electricity from 6-10 a.m. on Monday due to the ongoing freezing temperatures, high demand, and low wind conditions. Similar conditions are expected on Tuesday.
The freezing weather has caused wells to freeze across the United States. As a result, US natural gas output has hit an 11-month low, while gas demand for heating and power generation has significantly increased.
()
