Gulf Coast and Midwest states continue dealing with the devastating impacts of recent winter weather, with Winter Storm Viola adding ice and snow in the Texas region. That weather pattern is now moving northeast, bringing snowfall into the Ohio Valley region through New England.
NOAA estimates that nearly three-quarters of the continental US is covered in snow – the most since 2003. Winter Storms Uri and Viola each contributed to the coverage in the South, while more predictable winter precipitation added snow in the Pacific Northwest, Rockies, and Great Plains.
Although snowfall has slowed in southern states like Texas and Louisiana, freezing rain and sleet are still possibilities, keeping the South under winter weather advisories. Millions remain without power or clean water, adding to the crisis. Fuel distributors face hazardous road conditions in many areas, keeping fuel trucks from completing their deliveries. Delayed truck loadings and power outages for terminals and dispatchers are extending delays and causing the backlog of deliveries to grow.
Mansfield remains on Code Red for Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and western Tennessee. Mansfield is still on Code Orange status for states stretching from Oklahoma up to Maine. In both Code Red and Code Orange areas, Mansfield requests that customers provide 48-hour notice, or more when possible, for orders. Advanced notification helps ensure fuel can be delivered safely and efficiently. The safety of Mansfield’s employees, drivers, and customers is a top priority, so deliveries will be made when it’s safe to do so.