Winter Storm Blankets US in Snow and Ice, Disrupting Travel and Causing Fatalities
Frigid Temperatures and Snowfall Expected to Persist as Winter Storm Moves Eastward
WASHINGTON: A powerful winter storm system has blanketed much of the central and eastern United States in snow and ice, causing widespread disruption, hazardous travel conditions, and at least five fatalities. The storm, the first major winter event of the year, began moving offshore on Monday night, but its impact continues to be felt across the country.
More than 2,300 flights were canceled on Monday, with thousands more delayed, as airlines struggled to cope with the severe weather, according to tracking site FlightAware. This followed a similar disruption the day before, leaving many travelers stranded. Meanwhile, nearly 200,000 customers were left without power from Missouri to Virginia, as freezing temperatures took hold, according to Poweroutage.us.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that while the storm is expected to exit eastward into the Atlantic, some snowfall could continue in mountainous and Mid-Atlantic areas. As the storm moves on, frigid temperatures are expected to persist, with cities like Kansas City bracing for wind chills below zero degrees Fahrenheit (-17°C). The Gulf Coast could also see temperatures well below seasonal norms.
The storm’s aftermath led to blizzard conditions in Kansas and Missouri, while Kentucky and other regions were coated with dangerous ice, causing deadly accidents. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported two weather-related fatalities, while Kansas saw two more deaths from icy roads, including one fatal collision with a tractor-trailer.
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In Washington, D.C., the snow did not deter lawmakers, who proceeded with certifying Donald Trump’s election victory despite the storm, a poignant moment marking the anniversary of the 2021 Capitol attack. The snow day allowed many locals to enjoy the rare weather, with hundreds participating in a mass snowball fight, although schools and federal offices were closed.
As emergency management crews continue to clear roads, governors in affected states, including Kentucky, Missouri, Virginia, and Maryland, have declared states of emergency, urging residents to stay home. Officials are also preparing for another weather system that could bring more snow and ice, with Texas potentially facing a major snowstorm later this week.
Forecasters are closely monitoring the developing storm, with some predicting more snow for the Mid-Atlantic region by the weekend, although the details remain uncertain.
This extreme weather serves as a reminder of the growing severity and frequency of storms linked to climate change, with experts warning that such events are likely to become more common in the future.
