Cold Blast Threatens Record Snowfall, Endangers Energy Grids
A frigid weather system sweeping through the US South poses record-breaking snowfall risks to major cities like New Orleans and Houston. The extreme cold also threatens oil and natural gas production and strains electrical grids.
Snowfall Forecast
Snowfall is expected to begin late Monday in Houston, with accumulations of up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) possible by Tuesday, breaking the January record. New Orleans could receive 5 inches, an all-time high for the region, while Louisiana's capital Baton Rouge may see 7 inches.
Extreme Cold
Extreme cold warnings extend from North Dakota to West Texas, with temperatures potentially disrupting oil and gas production by freezing water in wells and pipelines. Overnight temperatures in oil-rich Odessa, Texas, could drop to 15F.
Energy Grid Concerns
The Texas grid has issued weather watches for Monday and Tuesday, as extreme cold increases heating demand and puts a strain on supplies. Peak electricity demand is projected to reach 77.5 gigawatts on Tuesday, driving up prices to $174 per megawatt-hour in Dallas.
Other major grids, including PJM Interconnection, are also bracing for increased demand. PJM's demand may climb to 144 gigawatts on Tuesday, surpassing its decade-long record.
Transportation Disruptions
Amtrak has canceled several trains across the US West and South, and FlightAware reports over 5,800 flight cancellations or delays due to the weather system.
Progress of the Storm
The snow is expected to move across Texas into Louisiana overnight and reach Mississippi and Alabama by Tuesday. By midweek, it will advance to the North Carolina coast and potentially spread into Virginia before exiting into the Atlantic Ocean.