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President Donald Trump approved emergency declarations for ten states on Friday due to the impact of a severe winter system that has caused extreme temperatures, intense snowfall, and hazardous conditions in large areas of the United States.
The states included in the measure are Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, and West Virginia, as reported by the president himself in a message published on social media.
"We are working closely with FEMA, governors, and state emergency management teams to ensure everyone’s safety. Stay safe and warm," Trump wrote.
The decision comes as an Arctic front moves across the central and eastern parts of the country, bringing temperatures as low as 30 degrees below zero, ice accumulation, unusual snowfall in southern states, and widespread power outages.
In several regions, impassable roads have been reported, flight cancellations, and the closure of schools and public offices.
Meteorologists warn that the phenomenon combines polar air, strong winds, and freezing precipitation, which increases the risk of hypothermia, traffic accidents, and failures in critical infrastructure.
In states like Georgia, Mississippi, and Louisiana, where snow is rare, authorities have warned about the lack of preparedness for such events.
With the emergency declarations, the affected states will be able to access federal resources, expedite the mobilization of personnel and equipment, and coordinate response actions and assistance to vulnerable communities.
Authorities urge the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stay informed through official channels, and take precautions against extreme cold, especially for the elderly, children, and those living without adequate heating.
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