Severe Winter Storm Hits Multiple States, Causing Chaos and Tragedy
A winter storm sweeping across the United States has tragically claimed at least five lives, leading to widespread school closures, travel disruptions, and power outages.
States including Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Arkansas have all declared states of emergency as the storm continues to wreak havoc.
Over 2,300 flights have been canceled, alongside nearly 9,000 delays as the severe weather, resulting from a polar vortex, brings intense cold and snowfall.
As of early Tuesday, approximately 190,000 residents in the affected areas were without power, according to reports. The National Weather Service (NWS) anticipates continued snow and sleet throughout much of the northeastern U.S.
The winter storm has prompted closures of federal offices and local schools across the Washington, DC area.
Although the precipitation is expected to subside, cold Arctic air will likely keep many regions icy for weeks to come.
In Washington, DC, snowfall ranged from 5 to 9 inches (13-23 cm), with some areas in Maryland and Virginia receiving up to a foot. Park-goers celebrated the snow at the Washington Monument with a traditional snowball fight.
Local residents enjoyed the weather as one participant remarked, “Just having fun,” while a former Olympic skier took to the National Mall for cross-country skiing, unexpectedly rekindling past passions after relocating to the city.
The weather emergency in Washington, DC, was declared early Tuesday due to the storm, officially named Winter Storm Blair.
Students returning to school after the winter break were instead treated to an unexpected snow day as districts from Maryland to Kansas closed.
Mass snowball fights drew crowds in Washington, DC, as residents embraced the winter conditions.
Elsewhere in the U.S., the winter storm caused perilous road conditions. Missouri’s highway patrol reported at least 365 vehicle crashes on Sunday, resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities.
In Kansas, which suffered some of the worst impacts of the storm, local reports confirmed two fatalities from car accidents during the extreme weather. Additionally, authorities in Texas found a person deceased due to the severe cold near a bus stop.
On the east coast, Virginia reported approximately 300 traffic accidents from midnight to Monday morning, prompting warnings against driving in many areas, with reports of at least one fatality.
Meteorologist Matthew Cappucci noted that Kansas City experienced its heaviest snowfall in 32 years, with some regions near the Ohio River becoming extremely hazardous.
He advised residents, “Stay home,” emphasizing the struggles faced by emergency vehicles in the treacherous conditions.
Travelers are being urged to avoid non-essential road use as states implement safety measures during the ongoing winter storm.
