Washington - Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The United States is witnessing contrasting weather conditions between snowstorms in some areas and fires in others. A powerful polar snowstorm swept through the states of Texas and Oklahoma, carrying heavy snow and ice, and continued its advance towards other southern American states, prompting governors to declare states of emergency and suspend classes throughout the region. The storm affected millions, threatening widespread disruption to daily life. According to what was reported by the Euronews news website in Brussels,
Starting from the state of Arkansas, where Governor Sarah Sanders ordered the National Guard to help stranded drivers, while classes were canceled on Friday in public schools for millions of children, from Texas to Georgia and even South Carolina. Forecasts indicated heavy snowfall in northern Arkansas and large parts of Tennessee, with a height of up to 22 centimeters. In states further south and east, including Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, freezing rain turned roads into dangerous corridors, while heavy snow continued to fall in parts of Oklahoma and Texas before the storm reached Arkansas. More than 4,500 flights were delayed and another 2,000 were canceled on Thursday, with the chaos expected to continue on Friday.

In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott urged residents to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary, especially as more than 75,000 fans flocked to AT&T Stadium in Arlington for the college football championship on Friday. The storm posed challenges not only to roads, but also to essential utilities and services in several states.
The storm in Virginia caused water outages in the capital, Richmond, prompting authorities to issue a boil-water order and distribute bottled water to residents. Emergency crews are still working to restore water service in the city. The winter storm that swept across the American South was not just a passing weather phenomenon, but rather a real test for the region's infrastructure and services, amid challenges facing the United States with increasing weather fluctuations.
In contrast, devastating fires swept through the Los Angeles area, destroying more than 10,000 homes and buildings, prompting authorities to issue new evacuation orders. Officials said the "Kenneth" fire, which started in the San Fernando Valley, quickly spread to neighboring Ventura County.
Despite the great efforts of firefighters supported by weaker winds and the help of external teams, authorities confirmed that the fire continues to grow. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said that strong winds could accelerate the spread of the fire in the coming hours.
In addition to the "Kenneth" fire, authorities announced the "Eaton" fire in the Pasadena area, which has destroyed more than 5,000 homes since it broke out Tuesday evening. In the Pacific Palisades area, one of the most affected areas, more than 5,300 homes were destroyed, making this the largest fire in the city’s history.
The fire continues to threaten more areas in northern Los Angeles, causing panic and grief in the city. Reports indicate that the fires resulted in the loss of many buildings and facilities, including five churches, seven schools, commercial places and cafes, in addition to historical landmarks such as the Willie Rogers Ranch and the old hotel in Topanga.
According to data from AccuWeather, the economic damage resulting from these fires is estimated at between $135 and $150 billion.
Firefighters continued to work to slow the spread of the fire in different areas of the city, but it has not yet been brought under control. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles County announced that its schools would be closed on Friday due to smoke and ash covering the city.
In a related context, officials announced an increase in looting and looting, as more than 20 people were arrested in the context of combating crime, while a curfew was implemented in some affected areas.
Many public figures have been affected by the fires, with the homes of celebrities such as Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore and Paris Hilton being destroyed. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis has pledged to donate $1 million to create a support fund for those affected by the disaster. California is experiencing a longer fire season due to climate change, with high temperatures and low rainfall exacerbating the situation.