A massive winter storm, described by meteorologists as a "bomb cyclone," has paralyzed a large portion of the United States and parts of Canada today. Record-breaking snowfall and sub-zero temperatures have led to the cancellation of over 13,000 flights, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. States from Oklahoma to Maine have declared emergencies as they struggle to clear roads and maintain power.

The extreme weather has caused major power grid failures, leaving nearly 500,000 homes without electricity in freezing conditions. Emergency services are working around the clock to reach isolated communities, but the high winds and whiteout conditions have made rescue operations extremely hazardous. Schools and government offices in major cities like New York and Boston remain closed.

Forecasters predict that the storm will move toward the Atlantic by tomorrow, but a secondary cold front is expected to keep temperatures well below freezing for the remainder of the week. This storm is being categorized as one of the most severe weather events of the decade, highlighting the increasing frequency of extreme climate incidents.