Washington D.C. – Former President Donald Trump has declared a state of emergency in ten states across the Southeastern United States as a major winter storm advances, bringing with it heavy snow, ice, and hazardous conditions.
Trump announced his decision via his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that he had approved emergency declarations for Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, and West Virginia. The move aims to provide these states with federal resources and support to mitigate the impact of the severe weather.
“My administration is working closely with the governors of these states and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure they have the resources they need to respond to this storm,” Trump stated. He also noted that FEMA had earlier this week suspended planned layoffs of relief workers in anticipation of the approaching weather system.
The winter storm has already blanketed over 2,000 kilometers of the United States in snow and ice and is projected to continue its eastward trajectory. Forecasters predict that it will soon impact over 3,000 kilometers, stretching from Texas to New England, throughout the weekend.
The severe weather has resulted in widespread disruptions, including the cancellation of over 13,000 flights. Furthermore, portions of major highways have been closed due to the dangerous road conditions within the storm’s path. Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to avoid unnecessary travel and to take precautions to ensure their safety during the storm.
The declaration of a state of emergency allows the affected states to access federal funding and assistance to support emergency response efforts, including snow removal, shelter operations, and the provision of essential resources to affected communities.
