Roads, railways, and utilities are at risk during the record-breaking temperatures. Even buildings, many of which lack air-conditioning, provide little relief, putting the health of people in danger. University experts address the torridness that is wreaking havoc on the area, especially the United Kingdom.
Frigid weather exposes the nation’s frail power grids
People walk on snowy streets in Austin, Texas, on Feb. 16. Photo: The Associated Press
By Robert C. Jones Jr.
02-18-2021 Frigid weather exposes the nation’s frail power grids By Robert C. Jones Jr.
02-18-2021
With cold temperatures knocking out electricity to millions of people in Texas and other parts of the country, the United States’ aging infrastructure is once again under scrutiny. University of Miami experts say upgrades are badly needed.
The news coming out of Texas is disturbing, a frightening glimpse of what a post-apocalyptic world without power would look like people burning furniture in their fireplaces to stay warm from frigid temperatures, and a woman and a small child succumbing to carbon monoxide poisoning after using their automobile to keep warm from the numbing cold.