Winter Storms
What is the current situation with storms affecting parts of America?
A very active storm system is currently affecting millions, coming right after another major storm earlier in the week. As meteorologist Jessica Burch notes, it's essentially 'one mess on top of the other,' creating compounding challenges for affected communities. In the coming days, officials will be able to assess the full extent of the damage from these back-to-back severe weather events. The situation has left many people exhausted as they try to help one another cope with the aftermath of these consecutive storms.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)
CBS News
04:53 - 05:06
What areas have been affected by flooding due to the coastal storm?
The coastal storm has brought devastating conditions to several regions, with localized flooding specifically affecting Tennessee and Kentucky earlier in the week. These areas have experienced significant impacts, leading to storm warnings being issued throughout all coastal regions affected by this weather system. Meteorologist Jessica Burch indicates they will continue monitoring the storm as it moves offshore by Thursday, suggesting ongoing concerns for communities in these flood-affected states.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)CBS News
04:17 - 04:32
What severe weather conditions are currently affecting the southern United States?
The southern United States is currently experiencing extreme cold warnings and watches issued by the National Weather Service, particularly affecting the Texas-Mexico border region. This polar air mass has created hazardous conditions throughout the area. Simultaneously, severe weather is sweeping across the southern states with significant moisture moving toward the Carolinas. This dual threat of extreme cold and moisture-laden storm systems is creating challenging conditions, potentially leading to hazardous travel and localized flooding in affected communities.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)CBS News
03:06 - 03:21
How is the polar vortex affecting Americans across the country?
The polar vortex is creating stark weather contrasts across the United States, with millions of Americans experiencing severe winter conditions. The phenomenon has brought heavy snowfall to some regions while causing flooding in others, putting communities from Texas to the Dakotas under cold weather warnings. Residents are adapting to these challenging conditions in various ways - using kayaks to access supplies where flooding has occurred and seeking refuge in warming centers when left without power. The contrast between sunshine in some areas and snow in others highlights the widespread impact of this extreme weather event gripping much of the nation.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)
CBS News
00:00 - 00:10
Where can people go during severe winter weather if they don't have electricity or heat?
In states like Tennessee and Kentucky, warming centers and shelters have been opened in response to the back-to-back storms causing flooding and power outages. These facilities provide refuge for those without electricity or heat during the frigid temperatures. However, many residents face a difficult decision as icy and snowy road conditions make travel to these shelters potentially dangerous. Local authorities are encouraging those without power to seek these warming centers, particularly as neighbors report struggles to meet basic needs like food preparation during the outages.
Watch clip answer (00:52m)CBS News
01:39 - 02:31
What weather challenges are residents of Clarksville facing?
Residents of Clarksville are dealing with multiple severe weather challenges. The area is experiencing frigid temperatures that are affecting millions of Americans, described as an 'unusual sight for some.' These freezing conditions come on top of pre-existing problems in Clarksville neighborhoods that the correspondent notes were 'already pretty bad.' The situation appears to be worsening, as the reporter warns conditions 'could get a whole lot worse.' The combination of snow, icy temperatures, and possible flooding has created particularly difficult circumstances for local communities.
Watch clip answer (00:11m)CBS News
00:34 - 00:46