A significant winter storm swept across parts of the United States, bringing snow, ice, and frigid temperatures. This severe weather created hazardous travel conditions from the southern plains all the way to the East Coast, leading many schools and government offices to close on Monday.
In areas like Kansas, western Nebraska, and parts of Indiana, heavy snow and ice covered major roadways. The National Guard was called in to assist drivers who found themselves stranded. Some regions saw snow accumulation reaching up to 8 inches or more, accompanied by strong winds gusting up to 45 mph.
The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings stretching from Kansas and Missouri to New Jersey, predicting that some areas could face their heaviest snowfall in a decade.
In Missouri, Gary Wright donned a parka while clearing ice off his SUV in a slick parking lot. He decided to work from home, taking this opportunity to enjoy the snowy weather, and is even considering getting boots for their dogs who dislike the cold.
The polar vortex, which typically remains near the North Pole, has been affecting many areas, bringing severe cold conditions. Experts suggest that a fast-warming Arctic is contributing to the increased frequency of these harsh winter events.
As a result of the storm, many schools canceled classes. Districts in Indiana, Virginia, and Kentucky announced closures, with Kentucky’s Jefferson County Public Schools shutting down for nearly 100,000 students. Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore also declared a state of emergency and urged residents to stay off the roads as conditions worsened.
With heavy snow already causing disruptions, Saturday saw over 600 motorists stranded in Missouri. Authorities reported numerous accidents in Virginia, Indiana, Kansas, and Kentucky, prompting state leaders to emphasize the risk of travel during the storm.
In Indiana, several highways were covered in snow, making travel difficult. State police urged residents to refrain from driving, while snow totals in Kansas reached about 10 inches and were expected to increase in the following days. Kentucky’s Louisville recorded a significant snowfall of nearly 8 inches, a record for this time of year.
Air travel was also impacted, with dozens of train cancellations and nearly 200 flights grounded at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. As the storm moved eastward, it was poised to bring bone-chilling temperatures across the eastern U.S. for the next few days, with some areas experiencing lows well below normal.
In summary, the winter storm has caused widespread disruption and regional leaders are urging residents to remain safe and stay indoors during these extreme conditions.
