Storms Trigger Evacuations, Massive Pileup, and Power Outages

Storms Trigger Evacuations, Massive Pileup, and Power Outages \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A powerful winter storm system battered the U.S. on Thursday, bringing mudslide threats to California, a 100-car pileup in Oregon, and power outages across multiple states. Heavy rain triggered evacuations in fire-ravaged Los Angeles neighborhoods, while snow and ice caused major crashes in the Pacific Northwest and Northeast. The South was hit by suspected tornadoes, and freezing rain crippled Oregon and Washington. Hundreds of thousands remain without power as storms continue to move across the country.

Severe Storms Wreak Havoc Across U.S.: Quick Looks

• California faces evacuation orders as the strongest atmospheric river of the season threatens mudslides and flash flooding in wildfire-scarred areas.
• A 100-car pileup on Oregon’s I-84 occurred in whiteout conditions, prompting massive rescue efforts.
• Heavy snow and freezing rain knocked out power to nearly 200,000 customers in Virginia and North Carolina.
• Tornado damage in Mississippi left at least 20 properties destroyed, but no major injuries were reported.
• Chattanooga, Tennessee saw major flooding, requiring rescues from a homeless encampment.
• Northeast braces for another snowstorm this weekend, after days of icy road conditions and school closures.
• Portland, Oregon extended a state of emergency due to freezing rain and subzero wind chills.
• Travel disruptions nationwide, with nearly 3,500 flight cancellations and delays reported Thursday.

Deep Look

A powerful winter storm system continues to wreak havoc across the United States, triggering mudslides, massive pileups, power outages, and tornado damage from California to the East Coast. Southern California faced flash flooding and evacuation orders, while a 100-car pileup in Oregon left rescue crews scrambling to search for survivors. The Northeast and Midwest battled heavy snow and freezing rain, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands. In the South, a suspected tornado ripped through Mississippi, damaging homes and businesses.

Mudslide Threats Force Evacuations in California

The strongest atmospheric river storm of the season arrived in Southern California Thursday, bringing torrential rain, powerful winds, and dangerous flooding. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned residents in wildfire-scarred areas that the downpour could trigger devastating mudslides.

“If you can, stay off the roads today, especially this afternoon and evening,” the NWS Los Angeles office posted on social media.

Why Is California at High Risk for Mudslides?

• Wildfire-scorched hillsides lack vegetation to absorb water, making them prone to fast-moving debris flows.
• Burn scars from recent fires, including the Palisades Fire—the most destructive in LA history—have left slopes unstable and dangerous.
• In Altadena, where the Eaton Fire destroyed thousands of homes, sandbags and temporary concrete barriers were deployed to redirect potential mudflows.

“Any rain in California comes with unexpected and unfortunate consequences,” said resident Lowell Meyer, whose home was spared in the Eaton Fire. “I’m glad people are taking it seriously.”

Some of the biggest impacts included:

• Malibu school closures due to flooding risks.
• Knott’s Berry Farm amusement park shut down as the storm intensified.
• Rising waters along the Russian River in Northern California, prompting evacuation warnings.

100-Car Pileup in Oregon Amid Whiteout Conditions

In the Pacific Northwest, heavy snow and ice caused a catastrophic 100-car pileup on Interstate 84 near Multnomah Falls, Oregon.

“We are searching every vehicle for potential survivors,” the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

The pileup occurred during whiteout conditions, making visibility virtually impossible.

• An SUV caught fire, but all occupants escaped safely.
• Rescue crews faced difficulties navigating the accident scene due to the extreme weather.
• While injuries were reported, Oregon State Police confirmed no deaths.

Authorities urged drivers to stay off highways, warning of more snow and freezing rain through the weekend.

Storm Leaves Hundreds of Thousands Without Power in the East

The storm system hammered the Eastern U.S. with heavy snow and freezing rain, leaving hundreds of thousands in the dark.

• Virginia reported 175,000 customers without power as of Thursday afternoon.
• North Carolina had about 14,000 outages, with some areas expecting days-long restoration efforts.
• Chattanooga, Tennessee saw major flooding, forcing the rescue of multiple people and animals from a large homeless encampment.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency, warning that icy roads and high winds could delay recovery efforts.

The storm also disrupted travel across the region:

• Nearly 3,500 flights were canceled or delayed nationwide, according to FlightAware.com.
• The Northeast braced for another snowstorm expected to arrive this weekend, worsening conditions.
• Maine roads became icy death traps, with a fatal tractor-trailer crash on the Maine Turnpike killing two people.

Tornado Tears Through Mississippi

In the Deep South, severe storms spawned tornadoes and damaging winds across Mississippi.

• The National Weather Service planned to survey damage across Marion, Covington, Jones, and Clarke counties.
• A suspected tornado struck Columbia, Mississippi, destroying homes and industrial buildings.
• Large pieces of debris were seen flying through the air, with videos showing twisted steel roofs and downed trees.

Despite at least 20 properties being damaged, Columbia Mayor Justin McKenzie remained relieved:

“We’re very fortunate. No major injuries, and everything can be rebuilt.”

Portland Faces Freezing Rain Emergency

Portland, Oregon, faced another winter nightmare as freezing rain coated roads and trees, prompting officials to extend a state of emergency.

• Wind chills dropped to 10°F (-12°C).
• Six emergency shelters were opened for residents stranded without power or heat.
• Officials warned of disruptions to Valentine’s Day flower deliveries, but businesses remained hopeful.

“It’s Valentine’s Day! We’ll just have to wait and see what happens,” said Julia Duncan, a local florist.

What’s Next?

The storm system is far from over, with more snow, ice, and rain expected through the weekend.

• The Northeast will see another winter storm, bringing more school closures and travel disruptions.
• Flooding remains a major threat in California, with mudslides likely in burn-scarred areas.
• Severe cold will grip the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, bringing dangerous wind chills.

Emergency crews across the country remain on high alert, as millions brace for continued extreme weather in the coming days.

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