February 15–20, 2021 North American winter storm

February 15–20, 2021 North American winter storm
Satellite imagery of the winter storm impacting the Southern United States on February 17
Meteorological history
FormedFebruary 14, 2021
Exited landFebruary 20, 2021
DissipatedFebruary 26, 2021
Category 3 "Major" winter storm
Regional Snowfall Index: 7.50 (NOAA)
Highest winds90 mph (150 km/h)
(1-minute sustained winds)
Lowest pressure948 mbar (hPa); 27.99 inHg
Maximum snowfall or ice accretionSnow – 24 in (61 cm) at Skamania, Washington[1]
Ice – 0.7 in (18 mm) at Harrisonburg, Louisiana[2]
Overall effects
FatalitiesAt least 29 fatalities[3][4]
Damage> $2 billion (2021 USD)[5][6]
Areas affectedWestern United States, Southern Plains, Deep South, Northeastern United States, Atlantic Canada, British Isles, Iceland, Faroe Islands
Power outages> 4 million[7]

Part of the 2020–21 North American winter

The February 15–20, 2021 North American winter storm, also unofficially referred to as Winter Storm Viola, or to some as simply The North Texas Freeze, was a significant and widespread snow and ice storm across much of the United States, Northern Mexico, and Southern Canada. The system started out as a winter storm on the West Coast of the United States on February 15, later moving southeast into the Southern Plains and Deep South from February 16–17. It then moved into the Appalachian Mountains and Northeastern United States, before finally moving out to sea on February 20. The storm subsequently became a powerful low pressure system over the North Atlantic, before eventually dissipating on February 26.

The system resulted in over 170 million people being placed under winter weather alerts, stretching from the West Coast to the East Coast.[8][9] Over 4 million people lost power due to the storm, particularly in areas of the Deep South and interior Southeast.[7] The system worsened the 2021 Texas power crisis, causing additional major damage to the Texas power grid just days after another destructive winter storm came through the area and hampering recovery efforts. It also contributed to a a historic cold wave that affected most of the Central United States. In total, the winter storm resulted in at least 29 fatalities, with 23 in the United States and six in Mexico.[3][4] The system is estimated to have caused at least $2 billion (2021 USD) in damages, mainly due to blackouts and structural damage.[5][6] Excluding the winter storm a few days previous to this storm, the system was the costliest winter storm in the United States since the March 1–3, 2018 nor'easter, and the deadliest since the Blizzard of 2016.

Meteorological history

[edit]
Weather Prediction Center (WPC) graphic showing the track of the low-pressure associated with the storm

On February 15, a weakening extratropical cyclone in the Pacific Ocean began moving ashore in the Pacific Northwest, with the frontal system having a minimum central pressure of 1,001 mb (29.6 inHg). Precipitation bands began developing with the system in portions of the Pacific Northwest, as well as the Rocky Mountains by 21:00 UTC that day.[10] The frontal system then pushed eastward, and by 18:00 UTC on February 16, the system was crossing the Rocky Mountains, and fronts connected several low-pressures areas associated with the storm from north to south. Simultaneously, the main center of low pressure spawned several other low-pressure areas, while the storm began organizing.[11] On February 17, the system developed a new low off the coast of Texas.[12][7] A combination of a large trough in place over the Central United States, a large polar airmass being channeled southward, and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico caused snow and freezing rain to fall over the Southern States.[7] For the next couple of days, the storm moved eastward while becoming elongated, before moving off the East Coast of the U.S. on February 19.[13][7] However, the storm stalled off the East Coast of the U.S. for another day, bringing additional precipitation to the region, before finally beginning to move out to sea on February 20.[14][15] The storm organized significantly and strengthened as it moved out into the Atlantic, with the storm's central pressure reaching 990 millibars (29 inHg) at 09:00 UTC on February 20.[16] Afterward, the storm underwent explosive intensification, with the storm's central pressure dropping from 995 millibars (29.4 inHg) to a peak intensity of 948 millibars (28.0 inHg) from February 21 to 22, as the storm moved eastward across the North Atlantic. On February 22, the Free University of Berlin also gave the storm the name Dieter.[17][18] Then, the cyclone gradually began to weaken, with the storm spawning a new low-pressure system to the northeast on February 24.[19][20] Over the next couple of days, the storm rapidly weakened as it accelerated towards the northeast, before dissipating on February 26.[21][22]

Preparations and impact

[edit]
All warnings and advisories issued in the Central and Eastern United States due to the storm
 Winter Storm Warning
 Winter Storm Watch
 Winter Weather Advisory

United States

[edit]

Winter weather alerts were issued from February 14–15 in the Western United States, with Ice Storm Warnings being issued in portions of Oregon, due to a significant freezing rain threat, and Winter Storm Warnings were also issued in some of the mountainous regions.[23] On February 16, Winter Storm Warnings were expanded into much of the Southern Plains and Deep South, and Winter Storm Watches were issued in parts of Mid-Atlantic and the Northeastern United States. On the next day, Winter Storm Watches in parts of the Northeast were upgraded to Winter Storm Warnings. In the entirety of the storm, over 170 million people were placed under some sort of winter weather alert, including over 120 million people under Winter or Ice Storm Warnings.[23][8][9] In total, the storm left over 4 million people without power, making it one of the worst blackout events in the United States.[7] In total, it killed at least 23 people in the United States, most of whom were in Texas.[3]

Pacific Northwest

[edit]

The system was the third winter storm to impact the Pacific Northwest with wintry weather in a week. Several inches of snow fell in Seattle, Washington, adding on to the totals from the previous storms.[24] Further east in the mountain ranges, even higher totals were reported, with up to 2 feet (0.61 m) falling in some areas.[23] On February 15, I-90 was closed in both directions in Snoqualmie Pass due to heavy snow.[25] Further south in Oregon, heavy freezing rain occurred from February 15–16, resulting in widespread impacts. Portland, Oregon recorded over half an inch of ice from the system, and some areas to the east reported even more.[26] Over 730,000 people were left without power in Oregon, with over 200,000 in the Portland area alone. Some customers remained without power for over a week.[27]

Southern Plains and Deep South

[edit]
Ice accretion coating vegetation in Austin, Texas during the storm

Due to the storm, Oklahoma City saw 4 inches (10 cm) of snow, Tulsa, Oklahoma picked up 5 inches (13 cm), and Dallas saw 1 inch (2.5 cm). Eastern Texas and much of Louisiana also saw over 0.5 inches (13 mm) of freezing rain accretion. Both the Houston and San Antonio metro areas saw up to 0.1–0.25 inches (2.5–6.4 mm) of ice from the storm. Freezing rain was observed falling in Corpus Christi and Laredo as well. The freezing rain and snow from the system resulted in numerous structural collapses across parts of the Deep South.[23] Also, much of northern Texas and southern Oklahoma picked up over 6 inches (15 cm) of snow, with one location in southern Oklahoma reporting 17 inches (43 cm) of snow depth after the storm. Much of southwestern Arkansas also saw over 10 inches (25 cm) of snow. In Little Rock, 11.8 inches (30 cm) of snow fell, bringing the snow depth up to a record 15 inches (38 cm). Further south, 14 inches (36 cm) of snow fell, with snow depths of over 20 inches (51 cm) after the storm.[23] A band of heavy snow set up on the back edge of the storm in southeastern Texas, with Del Rio picking up 9.7 inches (25 cm) of snow, breaking the 24-hour snowfall record there, which had not been broken since 1985.[23][28]

Over 2.6 million people were left without power across the Deep South during the storm, adding to damage caused by the previous winter storm.[29] In an animal sanctuary in San Antonio, over a dozen animals died during the storm. The deaths were blamed to heavy snow and extreme cold due to the winter storm.[30] Several states in the Deep South cancelled COVID-19 vaccination shipments. In northwest Louisiana, major highways such as I-20 had to be closed due to heavy snow and ice from the storm. Five people were killed in Houston alone due to the wintry weather. Hundreds of thousands of people in Texas and bordering states were placed under boil water advisories during and right after the storm.[31] Hundreds of crashes occurred on roadways across the region, with injuries and fatalities occurring as well. In Mississippi, lack of snow removal equipment resulted in snow and ice coating roadways for days after the storm.[32] In Dallas, two ice hockey games between the Stars and the Tampa Bay Lightning scheduled for February 18 and 20 were postponed, due to the recent winter storms.[33][34] The NBA also postponed a game in Houston between the Rockets and the Indianapolis Pacers.[35]

Snow falling in Brackenridge Park in San Antonio on February 18

In Texas, the storm resulted in burst water pipes due to freezing rain, magnifying the damage from the previous winter storm. Further east, several businesses were forced to close in many locations, including Walmart, Publix, CVS, and Walgreens. Postal delivery services, such as UPS and FedEx, were also severely impacted, due to the major winter storm.[36] In Texas, the National Weather Service office in Austin/San Antonio described the snow and ice from the system as the "worst of all winter events over the past week".[37] The Texas government opened 300 warming shelters across the state during the winter storm.[38] In Arkansas, over 1 foot (0.30 m) of snow caused major travel disruption, including many crashes. The heavy snowfall also broke several all-time records in the area, which had not been broken in decades. Despite Arkansas having more snowplows than states to the south, the snow removal vehicles were still unable to keep up with the heavy snowfall rates. The Arkansas Department of Transportation reported that nearly all of the state's roads were snow-covered at the peak of the storm. However, no traffic-related fatalities were reported, although injuries did occur. The government also put into effect rolling power outages after the storm.[39]

Sea turtles being rescued at Texas State Aquarium. Thousands of sea turtles were rescued during the storm.[40]

In Jackson, Mississippi, freezing rain and sleet coated the roadways with ice, and numerous crashes resulted. It also left several drivers stranded for over 12 hours on the side of the roadways, before help arrived. In Louisiana, hundreds of car crashes occurred during the storm, with over 150,000 power outages being reported as well. Also, burst pipes became an issue due to freezing rain during the storm. Mississippi reported over 1,000 traffic accidents due to the system, and the governor reported that nearly the entire state faced issues due to the wintry weather. In northwestern Alabama, heavy snow and freezing rain resulted in roads becoming impassable. Several towns in the area were cut off from the big cities for over 2 days. In Florence, over 100 cars became stuck in a large pileup during the storm.[41] Some of the snowfall and cold due to the storm rivaled similar occurrences during a similar wintry blast in 1989.[42]

On February 18, the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) issue a boil-water notice for San Antonio, due to the power outages in Texas.[43] On the same day, San Antonio firefighters fighting a large apartment fire caused by a water heater explosion were forced to use water trucks, as fire hydrants had become inoperable, due to water shortages.[44] On February 18, the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality also issued boil-water recommendations for residents who experienced water service outages from the bitter temperatures and snowpack;[45] Oklahoma City,[46] Tulsa,[47] and other cities (including Shawnee, Blackwell and Spencer[48][49][50]) and rural water districts[51] in the state issued temporary residential boil-water advisories or mandatory boil orders between February 18 and February 20.

In Kentucky, a man died after slipping on ice and then succumbing to hypothermia.[52] In Memphis, Tennessee, the city declared a state of emergency on February 17,[53] after the city saw a record daily snowfall accumulation of 7.2 inches (18 cm),[54] bringing the total snowfall since February 15 to 10–12 inches (25–30 cm).[55] The heavy snowfall disrupted FedEx operations at Memphis International Airport as the airport was closed for the entire day.[56] The airport closure hampered COVID-19 vaccine distribution nationally.[57] On February 18, Memphis's public utility MLGW issued its first ever boil water order as water pressure levels dropped, affecting 260,000 households.[58] The boil water order was lifted on February 25.[59]

Eastern United States

[edit]
Fresh snow blanketing Lexington, MA on February 20 after the storm

After leaving the Deep South, the winter storm moved up the East Coast, becoming a nor'easter. Up to 0.5 inches (13 mm) of ice accretion was reported in parts of Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Freezing rain resulted in hundreds of thousands of additional power outages in the area, which was still recovering from the previous week's ice storm.[7] Virginia implemented a winter weather state of emergency effective February 12, due to the previous week's ice storm, which continued through this winter storm.[60] Trees and power lines were downed, and customers who remained without power from the previous storm remained without power for a longer time.[23]

The District of Columbia's snowfall total from the system was 0.5 inches (1.3 cm), while totals in Maryland and Virginia ranged from 6–8 inches (15–20 cm). The high water content of falling sleet and snow resulted in a danger of refreezing slush. Despite road crews working consistently on major highways, Virginia reported 385 crashes and 255 disabled vehicles statewide, and Maryland reported 160 crashes and 90 disabled vehicles. Several area COVID-19 vaccine clinics closed due to the treacherous conditions.[61] The United States Government's Office of Personnel Management announced federal offices in the D.C. area were closed on February 18, and would open with a two-hour delay on February 19, although authorized remote work for the majority of employees continued.[62] During the storm, 10.2 inches (26 cm) of snow fell in Norristown, Pennsylvania, northwest of Philadelphia. The storm brought Philadelphia's total seasonal snowfall total up to 22.5 inches (57 cm), which was exactly average.[63] The snowstorm resulted in many speed restrictions throughout Pennsylvania, with temporarily reductions in speed limit along the Pennsylvania Turnpike from Cranberry to Valley Forge, as well as the entirety of I-83, I-99 and I-283, with restrictions later added on I-84, I-78 I-176 and I-380, as well as extending the Pennsylvania Turnpike restriction to the intersection with I-95.[64] Over 6 inches (15 cm) of snow fell in southeastern Massachusetts, with 7.5 inches (19 cm) being reported in Dartmouth. New York City picked up 4.4 inches (11 cm), pushing their monthly total up to 25.6 inches (65 cm) and making February 2021 their eight-snowiest February on record.[23] Icy roads on New York State Route 27 in North Babylon led to five car crashes resulting in two injuries.[65]

Snow and ice totals

[edit]

Mexico

[edit]

In Acuña, Coahuila, over 20 centimetres (7.9 in) of snow fell during the entirety of the system, mostly from February 17–18. Temperatures of −10 °C (14 °F) with wind chills of −20 °C (−4 °F) accompanied the snow during the event. Heavy snow resulted in numerous road closures on highways, implemented to prevent accidents. Over 170 poor residents were being housed in hotels during the storm, including 70 immigrants.[66] Six fatalities occurred due to the storm in northern Mexico, mostly due to carbon monoxide poisoning. One man died on the street due to exposure to wind, cold, and snow.[4] On February 17, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said that Mexico would increase usage of oil to produce electricity. He warned that on-and-off power outages from the storm would continue until February 21.[67]

Canada

[edit]

From February 18–20, light-to-moderate snow fell across parts of Eastern Canada from the system.[68] A Winter Weather Travel Advisory was issued for parts of Ontario, and a few Snow Squall Warnings were issued for short bursts of heavy snow.[69][70] Several centimeters of snow fell in much of the region, with up to 10 centimetres (3.9 in) being reported in some areas.[71]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
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  2. ^ a b c Bryan J. Putnam (February 20, 2021). Storm Summary Number 4 for Southern Plains to Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Winter Storm (Report). Weather Prediction Center. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved March 27, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Yaron Steinbuch (February 17, 2021). "At least 23 dead as brutal cold from historic storm ravages Texas". New York Post. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  4. ^ a b c "20 deaths blamed on cold weather in north as another front moves in". Mexico News Daily. February 19, 2021. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
  5. ^ a b Global Catastrophe Recap September 2021 (PDF) (Report). Aon Benfield. October 12, 2021. p. 11. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
  6. ^ a b "Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters: Events". NOAA. October 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g Peter Mullinax (February 25, 2021). "Southern Plains to Northeast Winter Storm: (2/16 - 2/18)" (PDF). www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov. Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  8. ^ a b National Weather Service [@NWS] (February 16, 2021). "Bitterly cold air remains entrenched across a large swath of the U.S.. Another round of snow/ice will impact the South Plains, Mid-South, Mid-Atl, & Northeast this week. Heavy snow is also in the Northwest/Great Basin/Rockies. Severe storms may develop in the Deep South on Wed" (Tweet). Retrieved May 2, 2021 – via Twitter.
  9. ^ a b National Weather Service [@NWS] (February 17, 2021). "Snow/ice will spread from the South Plains into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Bitter cold continues. Isolated severe storms could produce a couple of tornadoes today in the central Gulf Coast & tomorrow in the Southeast. Rain with heavy mountain snow in the Northwest" (Tweet). Retrieved May 2, 2021 – via Twitter.
  10. ^ "WPC surface analysis valid for 02/15/2021 at 21 UTC". wpc.ncep.noaa.gov. Weather Prediction Center. February 15, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  11. ^ "WPC surface analysis valid for 02/16/2021 at 18 UTC". wpc.ncep.noaa.gov. Weather Prediction Center. February 16, 2021. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
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  19. ^ "Europe Weather Analysis on 2021-02-23". Free University of Berlin. February 23, 2021. Archived from the original on August 31, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
  20. ^ "Europe Weather Analysis on 2021-02-24". Free University of Berlin. February 24, 2021. Archived from the original on August 31, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
  21. ^ "Europe Weather Analysis on 2021-02-25". Free University of Berlin. February 25, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2021.[permanent dead link]
  22. ^ "Europe Weather Analysis on 2021-02-26". Free University of Berlin. February 26, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2021.[permanent dead link]
  23. ^ a b c d e f g h "Winter Storm Viola Smashed Records in the South and Brought Snow, Ice Into Northeast". The Weather Company. February 20, 2021. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  24. ^ "Puget Sound region returns to 'regularly scheduled' rainy winter weather". MYNorthwest. February 15, 2021. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
  25. ^ Snoqualmie Pass [@SnoqualmiePass] (February 15, 2021). "UPDATE: I-90 is now closed in both directions from MP 35 near North Bend to 106 near Ellensburg due to multiple collisions and avalanche danger. No ETA at this time" (Tweet). Retrieved May 2, 2021 – via Twitter.
  26. ^ "More than 200,000 without power in Oregon following storm". The Columbian. February 16, 2021. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
  27. ^ "Oregon Ice Storm Subsiding, but Many Still in the Dark". Courthouse News. February 18, 2021. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
  28. ^ Jonathan Erdman [@wxjerdman] (February 18, 2021). "In a week of #cold and #snow superlatives...this may be the mic drop" (Tweet). Retrieved May 14, 2021 – via Twitter.
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  30. ^ "Chimpanzee, Monkeys, Lemurs Perish in Cold at Texas Animal Sanctuary". The Weather Channel. February 18, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
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  33. ^ "Thursday Night's Tampa Bay at Dallas Game Also Postponed" (Press release). National Hockey League Public Relations. February 17, 2021. Archived from the original on February 17, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  34. ^ "Saturday's Tampa Bay at Dallas Game Postponed" (Press release). National Hockey League Public Relations. February 18, 2021. Archived from the original on February 18, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  35. ^ NBA postpones Rockets vs. Pacers game Saturday due to severe winter storm in Texas, Yahoo Sports, February 19, 2021
  36. ^ "Winter Storm Disrupts Wide Swath of American Business". The New York Times. February 17, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  37. ^ NWS Austin/San Antonio [@NWSSanAntonio] (February 17, 2021). "As of 2:00 AM the freezing rain and sleet event overnight is shaping up to be the worst of all the winter events over the past week. Expect ice accumulations of 1/4 to 3/4 inch along/North of I-10, likely causing major power outages and tree damage. #txwx" (Tweet). Retrieved May 14, 2021 – via Twitter.
  38. ^ "Burst Pipes and Power Outages in Battered Texas". The New York Times. February 17, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  39. ^ "More snow piling up across Magnolia area with second winter storm". Magnolia Reporter. February 17, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  40. ^ Wright, Will (February 17, 2021). "About 3,500 sea turtles are rescued from the frigid temperatures in Texas". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on February 19, 2021. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
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  43. ^ Stevenson, Randi (February 18, 2021). "SAWS issues boil water notice for San Antonio. Here's what you should do". San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
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  48. ^ Raache, Hicham (February 20, 2021). "City of Shawnee placed under mandatory boil order". KFOR-TV.
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  51. ^ "Northeast Oklahoma Water Districts Issuing Voluntary Boil Advisories". KWTV-DT. February 19, 2021. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  52. ^ Key, Jennie. "NKY Police: Lakeside man found in driveway likely died of hypothermia overnight". The Enquirer. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  53. ^ "Memphis mayor declares state of emergency as snow blankets city, with more on the way". WREG.com. February 16, 2021. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
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  55. ^ "Snow could stick around a while as crews work to clear major Memphis streets". WREG.com. February 18, 2021. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  56. ^ Winter storm: Memphis airport closed due to low water pressure; 1,100-plus canceled flights, USA Today, February 19, 2021
  57. ^ Garland, Max. "FedEx rerouting COVID-19 vaccine shipments as winter weather disrupts Memphis hub". The Commercial Appeal. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
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  64. ^ PennDOT lifts speed limit restrictions after Thursday morning snow, WXPI, February 18, 2021
  65. ^ 5 Separate Crashes Reported On Sunrise Highway Due To Weather, Patch, February 18, 2021
  66. ^ "Snow falls for 12 hours in Acuña, Coahuila". Ruetir. February 19, 2021. Retrieved March 31, 2021.[permanent dead link]
  67. ^ "Se importará gas en buque y se reactivarán plantas de combustóleo y carbón ante crisis eléctrica: AMLO". Proceso (in Spanish). February 17, 2021. Archived from the original on February 20, 2021. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
  68. ^ ECCC Weather Ontario [@ECCCWeatherON] (February 19, 2021). "Greater Toronto Area: snow continues this morning. Continued snowfall combined with recent snowfall will likely make for a slow morning commute this morning. See snow, go slow! http://ow.ly/PjJF50DEvzw #ONstorm" (Tweet). Retrieved May 2, 2021 – via Twitter.
  69. ^ ECCC Weather Ontario [@ECCCWeatherON] (February 18, 2021). "⚠️Snow squall warnings and watches in effect ⚠️ Snow squalls today into Friday may bring hazardous road conditions and amounts possibly exceeding 20 cm near Lake Superior. More information can be found here: http://ow.ly/rHH650DDtVS #ONStorm" (Tweet). Retrieved May 2, 2021 – via Twitter.
  70. ^ ECCC Weather Ontario [@ECCCWeatherON] (February 21, 2021). "The Winter Weather Travel Advisory has been expanded to additional regions of southern Ontario. Heaviest snowfall likely late overnight into Monday morning. Amounts of 5 to 10 cm likely although areas of higher terrain may see more. http://ow.ly/A4qs50DG4EX #ONStorm" (Tweet). Retrieved May 2, 2021 – via Twitter.
  71. ^ ECCC Weather Ontario [@ECCCWeatherON] (February 17, 2021). "⚠️ SNOW SQUALL WATCH ⚠️ Snow squalls are forecast to develop over the west end of Lake Ontario Thursday morning and continue through Thursday night. These snow squalls have the potential to produce 15 cm in 12 hours. More info here: http://ow.ly/xbga50DD4Qb #ONstorm #ONwx" (Tweet). Retrieved May 2, 2021 – via Twitter.
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