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cover of episode Wild weather spreads across the U.S.

Wild weather spreads across the U.S.

2025/1/7
logo of podcast Consider This from NPR

Consider This from NPR
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J
Jacob Margolis
R
Rachel Ogier Lindley
旁
旁白
知名游戏《文明VII》的开场动画预告片旁白。
Topics
Michael Lippin: 华盛顿特区的一场大雪后，人们举行了一场大型雪仗，因为工作和学校停课，很多人参与其中。这场雪仗是为了重现十年前的情景，尽管时间可能不完全准确，但这场暴风雪确实是从中西部席卷到东海岸的罕见事件。 旁白: 这场暴风雪不仅带来了雪仗和烧烤的乐趣，还导致了严重的破坏。超过30万人断电，数千航班取消，密苏里州报告了300多起交通事故。暴风雪的影响不仅限于东海岸，德克萨斯州和南加州也面临极端天气的威胁。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why was the federal government and most schools in Washington, D.C., closed?

The federal government and most schools in Washington, D.C., were closed due to the first major snowstorm in about three years, which hit the area Sunday night.

What are the potential impacts of the winter storm in Texas, Arkansas, and Northern Louisiana?

The winter storm could paralyze parts of Texas, Arkansas, and Northern Louisiana, with Texas Governor Greg Abbott issuing a state of emergency and ERCOT asking Texans to conserve power due to increased electricity demand.

What are the conditions in Southern California due to the strong winds?

Southern California is experiencing one of the strongest wind events in years, with gusts potentially reaching up to 100 miles per hour. These winds, combined with extreme dryness, are driving wildfires and creating a high fire risk.

How is Texas preparing for the winter storm compared to the 2021 freeze?

Texas has made several electric grid changes since the 2021 freeze, including new weatherization requirements for power plants. ERCOT predicts normal grid conditions, but Texans are taking precautions, with many purchasing generators.

What measures has California taken to prevent wildfires during strong wind events?

California utilities have started de-energizing power lines during strong wind events to prevent sparks that could start wildfires, a significant tool in managing fire risks.

What is the connection between these extreme weather events and climate change?

While cold snaps and Santa Ana winds are normal for this time of year, climate change contributes to hotter temperatures that dry out landscapes, increasing the risk of severe wildfires.

Chapters
This chapter covers the unexpected heavy snowfall in Washington D.C. and other parts of the Midwest after a decade-long absence of such significant storms. It describes the resulting joyous snowball fights, school and work closures, and the significant disruptions caused by the storm, including power outages and transportation issues.
  • Heavy snow in Washington D.C. after a 10-year absence
  • Snowball fights due to school and work cancellations
  • Winter storm warnings across multiple states affecting 34 million
  • Significant power outages and transportation disruptions

Shownotes Transcript

In Washington, D.C., the federal government is closed – as are most of the schools in the area. That's because the first major snow storm in about three years barreled in Sunday night. Meanwhile, the Southern U.S. is preparing for another storm that could paralyze parts of Texas, Arkansas and Northern Louisiana. And Southern California is preparing for "life threatening, destructive gusts" driving wildfires. That's a lot of wild weather...so what's going on?For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org)Email us at [email protected])Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)