A severe winter storm swept through the central United States, bringing heavy snow, ice, and powerful winds, prompting emergency declarations in Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri. Even Florida, typically warm, prepared for rare freezing temperatures. The recent storm has resulted in unprecedented snowfall in various areas, marking the heaviest accumulation in a decade. In Kentucky, Louisville recorded an impressive 7.7 inches of snow, breaking a record that had stood since 1910. Meanwhile, Kansas and Missouri prepared for significant snowfall amounts ranging from 8 to 14 inches, while upstate New York faced severe lake-effect snow, accumulating over three feet in some locations. The storm has caused considerable travel disruptions and road closures, with major highways in Kansas, Nebraska, and Indiana becoming impassable due to snow and ice. In response to the dangerous conditions, Indiana activated the National Guard to assist motorists who found themselves stranded. Missouri reported over 600 vehicles stuck on the roads, and St. Louis Lambert International Airport experienced more than 200 flight cancellations. Additionally, Amtrak services connecting major cities such as Chicago, New York, and St. Louis faced numerous cancellations.The storm’s effects reached the Deep South, prompting tornado alerts in states including Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Strong winds resulted in significant tree damage across Mississippi and Louisiana, compounding the challenges faced by residents in these areas.
In the wake of the storm, Virginia reported over 135 vehicle accidents, with Missouri and Kentucky also experiencing multiple incidents. Schools in Indiana, Maryland, Virginia, and Kentucky announced closures, while widespread power outages affected numerous states impacted by the storm. Forecasters have issued warnings regarding dangerously low temperatures, predicting a deep freeze with readings 12 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit below normal across the eastern United States. Chicago is expected to experience temperatures in the teens, around -7 degrees Celsius, while Minneapolis may approach 0 degrees Fahrenheit, or -18 degrees Celsius. Cold air from Canada is anticipated to push freezing temperatures as far south as Georgia. In light of the severe weather conditions, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear have declared states of emergency. Governor Beshear has urged residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, with further school and business closures likely as the storm persists.The storm is set to move toward the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic regions, with blizzard conditions continuing into Monday and Tuesday. Forecasters warn that strong winds, icy roads, and dangerously cold temperatures could persist for several days.
