Powerful Snowstorm Slams Mid-Atlantic, Causes Travel Chaos

Powerful Snowstorm Slams Mid-Atlantic, Causes Travel Chaos \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A massive winter storm swept through the Mid-Atlantic on Tuesday, bringing heavy snow, ice, and freezing rain, leading to dozens of accidents, school closures, and power outage concerns. Virginia and West Virginia were hit hardest, with up to 10 inches of snow expected in some areas. Authorities deployed emergency crews, including National Guard troops and power company workers, to assist. Meanwhile, frigid Arctic air gripped the Midwest, with dangerously low temperatures stretching from Oregon to the Great Lakes, leading to multiple hypothermia deaths.

Winter Storm Disrupts Travel and Power: Quick Looks

• Heavy Snowfall: Up to 10 inches expected in Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
• Icy Conditions: Ice accumulations up to half an inch could down trees and power lines.
• State of Emergency: Virginia’s governor declared an emergency, warning residents to stay off roads.
• Arctic Freeze: Dangerous subzero temperatures stretch from the Northwest to the Great Lakes.
• Widespread Power Concerns: Utilities deployed extra workers to handle potential outages.
• Western Storm Incoming: California braces for an atmospheric river with heavy rain and snow later this week.

Deep Look

A powerful winter storm hammered the Mid-Atlantic on Tuesday, bringing treacherous road conditions, heavy snow, and ice that forced school closures, stranded drivers, and heightened concerns of power outages. The storm stretched from Kentucky to southern New Jersey, dumping up to 10 inches of snow in Virginia and West Virginia, with ice accumulations threatening tree damage and blackouts.

Authorities warned that dangerous travel conditions would persist through Tuesday evening before the system shifts to rain by Wednesday. Meanwhile, an Arctic blast across the northern U.S. plunged temperatures into deadly subzero levels, with police investigating multiple hypothermia deaths in Detroit and Montana.

Severe Winter Conditions in Virginia and West Virginia

The hardest-hit areas were northern and central Virginia and eastern West Virginia, where snowfall totals reached up to 10 inches. The National Weather Service warned of significant ice buildup in areas like the Roanoke Valley, where as much as half an inch of ice could snap tree limbs and down power lines.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency, urging residents to stay off the roads as state police responded to dozens of accidents.

To aid in the emergency response:

• The Virginia National Guard deployed 65 soldiers along Interstate 95 and Route 29, prepared to clear roads and assist stranded motorists.
• Appalachian Power called in 700 extra workers from neighboring states to handle anticipated power outages.
• Rescue helicopters were placed on standby, ready to assist with emergency evacuations.

Despite the dangerous conditions, some residents embraced the snowfall, with business owners like Paige Williams in Lexington, Virginia, calling it “a winter wonderland.” However, she also noted that the transition to freezing rain overnight could turn roads into “skating rinks.”

Treacherous Travel and Traffic Accidents

As snow and ice blanketed highways, officials reported widespread travel disruptions:

• In Virginia, state police responded to multiple crashes, including four injury-related accidents.
• Smith’s Towing in West Virginia reported that several tractor-trailers slid off Interstate 64, requiring emergency assistance.
• Federal workers in Washington, D.C., were advised to leave early, anticipating worsening conditions.

Kelly Pickles, a dispatcher for Smith’s Towing, described the hazardous situation: “Drivers are getting stuck in medians and skidding off the road—some just don’t have enough power to make it back.”

Brutal Arctic Blast Sweeps Across the U.S.

As the Mid-Atlantic dealt with snow and ice, an Arctic air mass gripped the northern U.S., plunging temperatures well below zero.

• Detroit: Two children under 10 were found dead in a freezing van in a casino parking garage. Police believe the family had been living in the vehicle.
• Montana: The temperature in Butte dropped to -31°F (-35°C), forcing shelters to overflow as officials rushed to distribute blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing.
• North Dakota: Wind chills in Minot reached -27°F (-33°C), making outdoor exposure life-threatening.
• Oregon: A state of emergency was declared in Portland, where officials opened warming shelters after a hypothermia death was confirmed earlier this month.

Homeless shelters across Montana and North Dakota operated at overcapacity, with advocates working through the night to prevent further deaths. Mike Zimmer, director of a men’s winter refuge in Minot, ND, described the brutal conditions:
“The wind feels like steak knives cutting into your skin within seconds.”

Western Storm Threatens California With Heavy Rain and Snow

As the East Coast battles snow and ice, a separate storm system is set to hammer the West Coast later this week.

• A powerful atmospheric river will bring intense rainfall along the California coast starting Thursday.
• The Sierra Nevada mountains could see several feet of snow through Saturday.
• Flood warnings are in effect for central and southern California as heavy rain is expected to overwhelm drainage systems.

Meteorologist Brian Hurley warned that the storm could bring significant travel disruptions, particularly in mountain passes and flood-prone areas.

What Happens Next?

The Mid-Atlantic storm is expected to shift into an all-rain event by Wednesday, improving road conditions but raising the risk of flooding in some areas. Meanwhile, the frigid Arctic blast will linger across the Midwest and Great Plains through the week, with more dangerous wind chills and potential hypothermia cases.

For those in California, emergency preparations are underway as heavy rainfall and snow move in, setting the stage for widespread flooding and travel disruptions.

With winter’s grip tightening, officials continue to urge caution, warning that the worst may not be over yet.

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