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A large winter storm swept across a broad swath of the United States, producing heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain that left hundreds of thousands — and in some reports over half a million — without power and forced the cancellation of thousands of flights. Transit systems warned of delays and service reductions, and major cities activated emergency and utility crews to respond to downed lines and hazardous roads. Officials urged residents to avoid nonessential travel, prepared shelters for those without heat, and warned that restoration could take days in remote or heavily impacted areas. The storm strained transportation hubs and supply chains during a busy travel period and prompted utility and state agencies to coordinate resources for prioritized recovery, while forecasts warned of prolonged cold that could worsen conditions for vulnerable populations.