Foreign

Severe Winter Storm Hits US

By Web News 83 0

Tens of millions of Americans are bracing for a huge winter storm that could bring the heaviest snowfall and coldest temperatures in over a decade.

The storm, which started in the middle of the US, will move east in the next couple of days, the National Weather Service (NWS) said.

A state of emergency has been declared in the states of Kentucky and Virginia, and parts of the US unaccustomed to severe cold, including Mississippi and Florida, have been warned to expect treacherous conditions.

Forecasters say the extreme weather is being caused by the polar vortex, an area of cold air that circulates around the Arctic.

“For some, this could be the heaviest snowfall in over a decade,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.

AccuWeather forecaster Dan DePodwin said: “This could lead to the coldest January for the US since 2011.”

He added that “temperatures that are well below historical average” could linger for a week.

Those low temperatures will be on the east coast as well, where the storm is expected to reach by Sunday evening.

In the central US, there will be “considerable disruptions to daily life” and “dangerous or impossible driving conditions and widespread closures” into Sunday, according to the NWS.

Some areas of Kansas and Indiana could see at least 8in (20.3cm) of snow.

In parts of the Midwest, blizzards are possible.

“Whiteout conditions will make travel extremely hazardous, with impassable roads and a high risk of motorists becoming stranded,” the NWS warned.

Sleet and freezing rain is forecast for Missouri, Illinois, and swathes of Kentucky and West Virginia.

As the storm moves east, millions more Americans will see record low temperatures, forecasters said.

Cities including Washington DC, Baltimore and Philadelphia are preparing for snowy and icy conditions from Sunday into Monday. Snowfall of between 5-12in could be recorded in parts of Virginia.

Also on Sunday, portions of the southern US including Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi may see severe thunderstorms.

Private meteorologist Ryan Maue said: “It’s going to be a mess, a potential disaster. This is something we haven’t seen in quite a while.”

American, Delta, Southwest and United airlines are waiving change fees for passengers because of the potential flight disruptions.

BBC / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Culture

Americans Trace Root to Ife, Meet Ooni

By Web News 1448 0

By Adenitan Akinola 

The Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has played host to some persons of American origin who traced their roots to the Kingdom of Ife.

During the visit of the Americans to the ancient Ile Oodua Palace, Ooni Ogunwusi explained that the greatest joy was that of origination.

“If you take a closer look at yourselves in comparison to your kinsmen and women here, you will agree with me that there is no difference between us. The only difference is that my own forefathers missed the boat that yours caught up with.

“So my dear children, you are welcome home and I pray that the meaningful names you are being bestowed with today will manifest in all your endeavours.

“Luckily for you, your source (Ile-Ife) which is within the Federal Republic of Nigeria is filled with lovely people and a very safe environment.

So I urge you to feel free and also increase your economic presence in Ile-Ife as there are opportunities for you all to reside and invest here.” The Ooni said.

Earlier, Ambassador Dotun Taylor who led the Americans to the palace, explained that the visitors were convinced that they were of African origin after a scientific test popularly known as “Ancestral DNA” confirmed that they had a high concentration of the African gene.

“This is the commencement of a process that will lead to the naturalization of foreigners who are of black origin to becoming Nigerians and particularly Yoruba sons and daughters.

“We are working with all needed authorities in this regard including the Ministry of Interior and the traditional institution under the leadership of our father, the Ooni.” Amb. Taylor said.

Speaking on behalf of the Americans, Mrs. Delzora Dotson, who is now to be addressed as Mrs. Delzora Omotilewa Dotson, described the experience as worthwhile, explaining that she could not wait to tell her friends and family members about her discovery.

“Right now, I am feeling the connection of origination and I am happy to be back home.” She said.

Adenitan Akinola 

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Sport

2022 World Cup: Eight Groups in Qatar

By Web News 826 0

The 2022 World Cup will feature 32 teams in eight groups of four.

Four matches will be played each day during the group stage, which will run over a 12-day period and see winners and runners-up progress to the round of 16.

Matches will only be assigned to particular venues after the finals draw, so organisers can choose optimal kick-off times to suit television audiences in different countries, as well as supporters out in Qatar.

Unlike at Euro 2020, there will be a third-place play-off game on December 17.

Group stage: November 21 – December 2
Round of 16: December 3-6
Quarter-finals: December 9/10
Semi-finals: December 13/14
Final: December 18

Oluwakayode Banjo/Olaolu Fawole