Snow, Ice, and Rain Disrupt East Coast; California on Alert/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A powerful winter storm is sweeping across the mid-Atlantic, bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, and widespread power outages, while California prepares for potential flooding from an incoming atmospheric river. Virginia and West Virginia are among the hardest-hit areas, with significant snowfall and icy road conditions causing hundreds of accidents. Meanwhile, the West Coast braces for heavy rainfall, threatening areas already weakened by recent wildfires.
Winter Storm & California Floods: Quick Look
- Mid-Atlantic Snowstorm – Up to 14 inches of snow expected in Virginia and West Virginia.
- Icy Road Conditions – Over 700 accidents reported in Virginia; highways shut down in West Virginia.
- Power Outages – Nearly 12,000 without power in Virginia; 5,400 workers on standby.
- School Closures – Washington D.C. and Virginia schools closed; government offices shut in Topeka, Kansas.
- Bitter Cold in the Midwest – Temperatures drop to -31°F in Montana; emergency shelters open.
- California Prepares for Floods – Heavy rain expected; 700,000 sandbags distributed for flood control.
Snow, Ice, and Rain Disrupt East Coast; California on Alert
Deep Look: Winter Storm and California Flood Threats
A relentless winter storm is hammering the central Appalachians and mid-Atlantic states, bringing heavy snowfall, sleet, and freezing rain, while California braces for potential floods caused by an approaching atmospheric river. The powerful weather system has already caused numerous traffic accidents, school closures, and power outages across the East Coast, and conditions are expected to remain hazardous through Wednesday.
Snowstorm Wreaks Havoc in the Mid-Atlantic
The National Weather Service has warned that snowfall could reach nearly 14 inches in parts of Virginia and West Virginia, while ice accumulations of over a third of an inch are expected in some regions of North Carolina and Virginia. The extreme weather has led to dangerous road conditions, prompting officials to advise residents to stay home.
The storm’s impact was immediate on Tuesday, causing widespread disruptions. By nighttime, nearly 12,000 people in Virginia had lost power, and Washington D.C. public schools announced closures for Wednesday. In Baltimore and Washington, snow was falling at a rate of an inch per hour, further worsening travel conditions.
Hundreds of Accidents Reported Amid Icy Conditions
Virginia authorities reported at least 700 accidents on Tuesday, with dozens of injuries, though officials have yet to confirm if all were directly caused by the storm. In southern West Virginia, multiple crashes temporarily shut down major highways, leaving tractor-trailers stuck on icy roads.
Kelly Pickles, a dispatcher for Smith’s Towing and Truck Repair, described how vehicles were sliding off the roads:
“Basically, they just get sucked over into the median or go off the right-hand side, and they just don’t have enough power to get back on the road due to the icy conditions.”
Emergency Response and Power Restoration Efforts
With the severity of the storm increasing, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency. Around 65 Virginia National Guard soldiers were stationed along key corridors, ready to assist, while an additional 20 members of the Virginia Defense Force were placed in support roles.
Appalachian Power deployed 5,400 workers across West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee to restore electricity, with efforts expected to continue into the coming days.
Brutal Cold Grips the Midwest
As the storm sweeps across the country, an Arctic air mass is causing dangerously cold temperatures from Oregon to the Great Lakes. Butte, Montana, saw a chilling low of -31°F (-35°C), raising serious concerns for vulnerable populations, especially the homeless.
Local organizations scrambled to distribute essential supplies such as sleeping bags and warm clothing. Brayton Erickson, executive director of the Butte Rescue Mission, emphasized the urgency:
“When it gets this cold, we kind of pull out all the stops.”
In Portland, Oregon, wind chill temperatures could drop as low as 10°F (-12°C) by midweek, prompting emergency shelters to extend their operations.
California Braces for Heavy Rain and Flooding
While the East Coast battles snow and ice, California is preparing for a different kind of weather emergency. A powerful atmospheric river—a long, moisture-laden weather pattern capable of causing heavy rain—was forecast to hit central and Southern California late Wednesday, peaking on Thursday.
The California Department of Water Resources has already distributed over 700,000 sandbags in flood-prone areas. Meteorologist Miles Bliss warned that the system could bring widespread flooding, particularly in regions still recovering from recent wildfires.
Additionally, heavy snowfall is expected in the Sierra Nevada, further compounding the risk of hazardous conditions.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
- Mid-Atlantic Storm: Conditions will gradually improve Wednesday afternoon as temperatures rise, turning snow and ice into rain.
- Midwest Cold Front: Freezing temperatures will persist across the Great Lakes and Plains.
- California Flood Risk: Heavy rains could lead to flash flooding and landslides in wildfire-scarred areas.
With extreme weather affecting both coasts, officials are urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions as conditions continue to develop.
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