Heaviest Snowfall in a Decade Hits the U.S., Disrupting Travel and Daily Life/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A massive winter storm is causing hazardous travel and disruptions across the U.S., with some areas expecting the heaviest snowfall in a decade. States like Kansas, Missouri, and Indiana are grappling with blizzard conditions, while freezing temperatures and ice extend as far south as Florida.
Winter Storm Brings Chaos Across the U.S.: Key Points
- Major Snowfall: Up to 14 inches of snow fell in parts of Kansas, Missouri, and Indiana.
- Record-Breaking Cold: Temperatures plunged 12–25°F below normal, with a hard freeze forecast as far south as Florida.
- Hazardous Travel: Hundreds of accidents reported, including 600 stranded motorists in Missouri.
- Air and Rail Cancellations: Over 200 flights and 60 Amtrak services were canceled.
- Emergency Declarations: Governors in Kentucky, Virginia, Kansas, and Maryland declared states of emergency.
Heaviest Snowfall in a Decade Hits the U.S., Disrupting Travel and Daily Life
Deep Look
A powerful winter storm swept across the U.S. over the weekend, delivering heavy snow, ice, and frigid temperatures that disrupted travel and daily life in the central and eastern parts of the country. The National Weather Service (NWS) has called the storm one of the most severe in a decade for some areas, with snow totals exceeding 14 inches in parts of Kansas and Missouri.
Snowstorm Creates Havoc
Blizzard conditions blanketed roadways in Kansas, Missouri, and Indiana, prompting authorities to issue winter storm warnings. Indiana State Police urged motorists to stay off the roads as snow quickly covered highways like Interstates 64 and 69.
- Kansas: Nearly 220 miles of Interstate 70 were closed due to impassable conditions.
- Missouri: 600 motorists were stranded, with the National Guard assisting in rescues.
- Indiana: Heavy snow caused numerous accidents, with plows struggling to keep up.
Record Snowfall
- Kansas and Missouri: Snowfall reached 14 inches in some areas, with wind gusts up to 45 mph creating whiteout conditions.
- Kentucky: Louisville recorded 7.7 inches of snow, breaking a 1910 record of 3 inches.
- Upstate New York: Lake-effect snow delivered over 3 feet in some areas.
Freezing Temperatures Spread South
The storm’s Arctic blast brought dangerously low temperatures across the eastern U.S., extending as far south as Florida. Wind chills plunged into the single digits along the East Coast, with cities like Atlanta and Charleston experiencing freezing conditions.
- Chicago: Temperatures hovered in the teens, with lows reaching -11°F in northern Minnesota.
- Florida: A rare hard freeze warning was issued, underscoring the storm’s far-reaching impact.
Widespread Disruptions
Travel Chaos
- Air Travel: Nearly 200 flights were canceled at St. Louis Lambert International Airport.
- Rail Travel: Amtrak canceled dozens of services, including routes between Chicago and New York.
- Road Accidents: Hundreds of crashes were reported in Virginia, Kentucky, Kansas, and Indiana.
Power Outages
School Closures
School districts across Kentucky, Indiana, Maryland, and Virginia announced closures and delays for Monday, with some areas calling the day a “traditional snow day” without online learning.
Emergency Measures
Governors in Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland, and Kansas declared states of emergency to allocate resources and prepare for the storm’s impact.
- Kentucky: Governor Andy Beshear closed state buildings Monday and urged residents to stay home.
- Virginia: Governor Glenn Youngkin encouraged residents to vote early ahead of Tuesday’s special elections.
- West Virginia: Charleston authorities reported crashes and warned residents to stay off the roads.
Climate and the Polar Vortex
The storm’s severity is partly attributed to the polar vortex, a system of ultra-cold air that typically remains over the Arctic but occasionally stretches southward. Studies suggest that the fast-warming Arctic is contributing to the increased frequency of such extreme weather events.
What’s Next?
The storm is expected to move east into the Mid-Atlantic states by Monday, bringing snow, ice, and potential tornado activity in the Deep South. As the storm’s effects linger, residents are urged to stay updated on local conditions and avoid unnecessary travel.
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