Heavy winter storm crosses Texas, spilling snow and heavy rain

Highlights of the storm

• Lubbock, Texas: 10.5 inches of snow were recorded in some areas
• Houston: The Harris County Flood Control District reported the presence of several bayous in the Houston area off their shores: Armand Bayou at Genoa Red Bluff Road, Greens Bayou at US 59, Langham Creek at Clay Road, Little Cypress Creek at Becker Road, Mound Creek at FM 362 and South Mayde Creek at Greenhouse Road
• Houston: Heavy Blake Mathews, meteorologist at KHOU
• Texas: about 1,322 without electricity
• in North Carolina: about 2,071 without electricity
• Total Flight Delays Saturday: 1,596 (FlightAware )
• ] Total flight cancellations Saturday: 1,452 (FlightAware)
• The United States, Delta, Frontier, Southwest and United canceled the change fees. Others will probably follow. The details vary by airline.

More than 10 inches of snow was dumped in Lubbock, Texas, while an intense winter storm swept the state and headed south-east, threatening millions of people in his way. The same storm poured heavy rain over Los Angeles earlier in the week .

The storm has devastated Texas, spewing snow and unusually heavy rain, reports Janet Shamlian of CBS News. Displacements were almost stalled as plows and tow trucks became a lifesaver for those caught off guard.

At night, heavy rains hammered Houston. Roads and highways turned into fast streams while sewers were fed and overflowed. First responders used an ocean rescue truck to help these drivers after stalling on a flooded street.

Warnings being generalized, many were not at risk.

"Get candles for sure, batteries for flashlights and headlamps," said Stephanie Cantu. "I already have my propane stove ready just in case."

About 1,724 people were without electricity in Texas on Saturday afternoon. A total of 1,596 flight delays were reported, according to FlightAware, and 1,452 cancellations.

In Houston, the Harris County Flood Control District stated that a major flood was predicted on, near and east of Highway 59. The flood is expected to affect sub-divisions of Belleau Woods, Forest Cove, Northshore and Riverside Crest, reports KHOU, affiliated with CBS Houston.

Officials told KHOU that elevated structures in these areas could be isolated for several days. The river is expected to reach its threshold by Saturday afternoon and reach its peak Monday night. It is expected to remain above the flood stage until Wednesday, and officials say some residents may be isolated for 4 to 5 days.

The high waters that have submerged the roads and bayous in Houston are already in the process of evacuating, but the system is now targeting the Carolinas with snow and freezing cold.

Governors of Virginia and North Carolina have already declared emergencies. Up to 18 inches of snow could fall in the mountains of Carolina.

A winter weather advisory is in effect from Texas to the Carolinas, said Lisa Meadows, Meteorologist at CBS Minnesota.

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced Saturday that he had declared an emergency to help state agencies prepare for a storm that is expected to hit the southern part of the country hard. ;State. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced his statement Friday and said the consequences of the storm would vary from state to state. Forecasters claim up to 18 inches of snow in the mountains and possible flooding on the coast.

"The snow is beautiful, but it can also be treacherous and I urge the North Carolinians to take this storm seriously and prepare for it now." Said Cooper in a statement on Friday. .

The National Weather Service announced Saturday that the most abundant snow would be in northwestern North Carolina and southern Virginia. The meteorological service has announced that a "long period of snow should begin" from Saturday night and up to Monday.

Winter storm warnings are in effect in parts of northeastern Georgia, northwestern South Carolina, southwestern South Carolina, and southwestern Virginia. , says the weather service. Winter watch notices and winter weather warnings are also in effect for parts of the southern lowlands in the Mid-South, as well as for parts of northern South Carolina and southwestern Virginia.

Texas and Louisiana, as well as northwestern Texas and central Oklahoma experienced "winter precipitation".