Amman, Jan. 24 (Petra) - U.S. authorities announced the cancellation of more than 9,000 flights during one of the worst travel-disruption weekends of the year, as a powerful storm approaches that is expected to cause widespread damage, threaten major power outages, and lead to the closure of key highways in many states.

According to U.S. media reports, 18 states have declared a state of emergency. Several southern states have witnessed heavy crowds at major retail stores, as residents rushed to stock up on food and household supplies. Americans cleared store shelves ahead of what could be a "catastrophic" weather system, threatening at least 180 million people across the country, from Texas to Washington, D.C.

Meteorologists warned that potential damage, particularly in ice-affected areas, could reach hurricane-like levels, with prolonged power outages and road closures. This has prompted local authorities to cancel classes in Chicago and other Midwestern cities.

//Petra// AF