A severe winter storm has swept across a vast portion of the central United States, affecting millions as it tracks eastward, causing widespread disruptions in travel, work, and daily activities. The storm, the first of the year, has brought dangerous wintry conditions to multiple states, with over 60 million people under weather alerts across the country. This storm has already triggered flight cancellations, delays, hazardous road conditions, and power outages, with the potential for even more severe impacts in the coming days.
As of Sunday afternoon, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued winter storm warnings across around a dozen states, including Kansas, Missouri, and New Jersey. Meanwhile, areas in the southern US were placed under warnings for possible tornadoes and cold weather threats. The storm’s intensity was felt particularly in Kansas and Missouri, where gusty winds and blizzard-like conditions have caused widespread disruption. In these areas, snow accumulations of several inches have been reported, and residents have been urged to stay home to avoid dangerous conditions. Several vehicle crashes closed major highways, further complicating efforts to manage the storm.
Air travel has been heavily impacted, with FlightAware reporting nearly 2,200 flight cancellations and over 25,000 delays. The storm’s powerful winds, which have created hazardous travel conditions, particularly in the Midwest and East, have made travel on the roads and in the air highly unpredictable. Kansas City saw roads turn into “skating rinks” early on Sunday, and storm chaser Brian Emfinger confirmed the treacherous conditions, warning travelers of the heightened risks posed by icy streets and highways.
Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky issued a stern warning to residents in his state, advising them to “please stay home,” as reports emerged of multiple vehicle crashes and hazardous driving conditions. The storm is expected to bring heavy snow to parts of the Ohio Valley and central Appalachians, with Washington, D.C. bracing for up to 10 inches of snow overnight Sunday into Monday. The NWS has cautioned that this could lead to hazardous travel and closings in the region.
In addition to snow and sleet, the storm is also expected to bring freezing rain, which could result in up to half an inch of ice accumulation in certain areas, leading to widespread tree damage, fallen power lines, and prolonged power outages. Areas from Kansas to the central Appalachian Mountains, including Kentucky, have been warned of the potential for long-lasting power outages. The freezing rain and sleet could make roadways impassable, and emergency response teams are bracing for a challenging period as they deal with the aftermath of these severe conditions.
The storm also comes at a difficult time for US lawmakers, as Congress is scheduled to meet on January 6 to certify the results of last year’s presidential election. House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized that, despite the blizzard-like conditions, the certification of the election results cannot be delayed. “Whether we’re in a blizzard or not, we cannot delay that certification,” he said. The joint session of Congress will convene at 1:00 pm on Monday, January 8, despite the extreme weather.
Temperatures across the region are expected to plunge as the jet stream pushes southward, with some areas experiencing sub-zero temperatures, compounded by strong winds that will make conditions feel even colder. This rapid drop in temperatures is expected to reach as far south as the US Gulf Coast, with some places experiencing temperatures tens of degrees below normal for this time of year. The storm’s combination of cold weather, high winds, and ice poses significant risks to both people and infrastructure.
The governors of Kentucky, Missouri, and Virginia have declared states of emergency and have issued urgent warnings for residents to remain indoors as the storm continues to impact the region. These warnings come as the storm is expected to cause major disruptions, including the possibility of power outages, hazardous road conditions, and delays in the delivery of emergency services. In Kentucky, in particular, the storm is expected to cause significant disruption and dangerous conditions, just days after the state endured the aftermath of a deadly hurricane in late September. Governor Beshear has expressed concerns about the storm’s potential to exacerbate the already challenging recovery efforts in the region.
As the storm continues its march eastward, the threat of power outages, dangerous travel, and severe weather remains a critical concern. The storm’s far-reaching effects are expected to continue to make headlines throughout the week, with millions of Americans facing the ongoing challenges posed by the extreme weather conditions. Authorities are urging residents to prepare for power disruptions, travel delays, and freezing temperatures, as the storm wreaks havoc across much of the United States.
In the coming days, the situation is likely to worsen before it improves, as the region braces for more snowfall, ice, and bitter cold temperatures. The full extent of the damage and disruptions will likely be clearer once the storm moves through, but for now, officials are urging everyone to stay safe, stay informed, and remain indoors if possible.
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