Record-Breaking Snowfall and Ice: US Braces for Winter's Fury

Travel Disruptions and Power Outages: Winter Storm's Impac

A massive winter storm has swept across the central United States, affecting approximately 63 million people and prompting emergency declarations in two states.

The storm, which has been described as the most significant of the season, has brought heavy snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures, causing widespread disruptions and hazardous travel conditions.

Record-breaking snowfall and Ice Accumulations

According to the National Weather Service, the storm has brought record-breaking snowfall and ice accumulations to several regions.

We have space and shelter for everyone, and it's very important, given the forecast this week, that people come inside.

We have the shelter capacity, and we need people to come into shelter.

Call 311 or (202) 399-7093 for free transportation to a shelter. pic.twitter.com/Cl423iqi7f

— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) January 5, 2025

“For locations in this region that receive the highest snow totals, it may be the heaviest snowfall in at least a decade,” the weather service reported.

In Kansas and Missouri, blizzard conditions have been reported, with snow accumulations expected to exceed 14 inches in some areas.

States of Emergency Declared in Multiple States

Governors in Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas have declared states of emergency in response to the storm.

“We are taking this really seriously, and I hope everybody else across America is too,” said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. The National Guard has been deployed in several states to assist with emergency response efforts and to help stranded motorists.

Travel Disruptions and Power Outages

The storm has caused significant travel disruptions, with major highways closed and thousands of flights canceled.

“Travel could be very difficult to impossible,” warned the National Weather Service. In addition to travel issues, the storm has also led to widespread power outages, with over 193,000 customers across five states left without power.

Impact on Daily Life and Safety Measures

A look at the scenes from in and around the #KansasCity metro. 👇 A potent winter storm continues to affect millions across the country. See our LIVE BLOG on our app.https://t.co/R0X3qdVPpP pic.twitter.com/ca9ULrof5B

— Weather & Radar USA (@WeatherRadar_US) January 5, 2025

The severe weather has forced businesses and schools to close, and residents are being urged to stay indoors. “If you don’t need to be on the roads tonight and tomorrow, stay home. Please stay off our roads,” urged DC Mayor Muriel Bowser.

The storm’s impact is expected to continue for several days, with temperatures dropping significantly and creating dangerous conditions for those without adequate shelter, reported CNN.

Here are the latest weather alerts and forecasts for key cities affected by the massive winter storm in the US:

St. Louis, Missouri:

Alert: Winter storm warning until 7 a.m. ET Monday
Forecast: Mixed precipitation with additional snow and sleet accumulations of 3-5 inches, and ice accumulations up to one-tenth of an inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph will cause blowing snow.

A massive winter storm brought snow, ice & freezing temperatures to US, with over 65 million people from Kansas to New Jersey under emergency protocols. #Watch #winter #winterstorm #storm #emergency #snow #cold #newyork #kansas #utah #newjersey #cnbctv18digital pic.twitter.com/aUsLRtJvas

— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) January 6, 2025

Indianapolis, Indiana:

Alert: Winter storm warning through 7 p.m. ET Monday
Forecast: Additional snow accumulations of 2-5 inches, with freezing drizzle over portions of central Indiana leading to ice accumulations around a light glaze. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

Louisville, Kentucky:

Alert: Winter storm warning through 7 p.m. ET Monday
Forecast: Heavy mixed precipitation with ice accumulations up to half an inch and higher amounts expected near the I-64 corridor. Additional snow accumulations of 1-2 inches on Monday.

Cincinnati, Ohio:

Alert: Winter storm warning through 11 p.m. ET Monday
Forecast: Additional snow and sleet accumulations of 4-6 inches, and ice accumulations up to one-tenth of an inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

Charleston, West Virginia:

Alert: Winter storm warning through 1 a.m. ET Tuesday
Forecast: Heavy mixed precipitation with total snow accumulations of 4-8 inches and ice accumulations of one-tenth to half an inch.

Washington, DC:

Alert: Winter storm warning through 1 a.m. ET Tuesday
Forecast: Snow mixed with sleet with total snow accumulations of 5-10 inches, with some suburban areas potentially getting up to a foot. A trace of ice accumulation is also possible.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:

Alert: Winter weather advisory from 1 a.m. through 10 p.m. ET Monday
Forecast: Snow accumulations of 2-4 inches.

Richmond, Virginia:

Alert: Winter storm warning through Tuesday at 7 a.m. ET
Forecast: Heavy mixed precipitation with total snow and sleet accumulations up to 5 inches along I-64 and 4-8 inches north of I-64. Total ice accumulations of one to two-tenths of an inch.

Kansas City, Missouri:

Alert: Blizzard warning until Monday midnight ET
Forecast: Snowfall has largely subsided, but gusts to 35 mph are continuing to create blowing snow and blizzard conditions.

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