Historic Winter Storm Impacts Natural Gas Exports, Transportation across US
A severe winter storm has descended upon the southern United States, disrupting natural gas shipments and causing widespread transportation delays.
Natural Gas Shipments Halted at Freeport LNG
The Freeport LNG export facility, one of the largest in the US, has shut down due to intermittent power outages. This disruption raises concerns about potential supply shortages in Europe, where gas prices have spiked amid worries of weather-driven impacts on US supplies.
Transportation Chaos in the South
Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures have wreaked havoc on transportation systems across the Gulf Coast and beyond.
* Houston: A record 4 inches of snow fell in Houston, closing airports and schools.
* New Orleans: Up to 8 inches of snow, a record high, paralyzed highways and closed Louis Armstrong Airport.
* Lake Charles, Louisiana: Blistering winds and heavy snow prompted the first blizzard warning ever for the area, disrupting shipping operations at Cameron LNG terminal.
Texas Grid Strain and Cold Temperature Records
The Texas electrical grid operator declared a transmission emergency in the southeast due to freezing precipitation. Peak electricity demand is expected to surge, potentially straining supply. Over 50 cold temperature records are forecast to be broken or tied across the Gulf Coast.
Widespread Power Outages and Travel Disruptions
As of 1:30 p.m. local time, nearly 35,000 customers in South Texas remained without power. The deep freeze is also impacting air and rail travel:
* Airports: Houston and New Orleans airports remain closed, and over 2,400 flights have been canceled nationwide.
* Amtrak: Multiple trains have been canceled throughout the Gulf Coast.
Temperature Outlook and Expected Impact
Temperatures are expected to moderate later in the week, but the lingering cold could still affect natural gas and oil production by freezing water in pipelines and wells.