A powerful winter storm continues to shatter records across the Midwest, leaving a trail of snow, ice, and disruption in its wake. Now barreling east, the storm is set to bring hazardous conditions to the East Coast, with millions of Americans in its path.
Record-breaking snowfall in the Midwest
The storm has already made a significant impact in the Midwest, with Kansas feeling its full force. Topeka recorded a staggering 18 inches of snow, marking its heaviest snowfall since 1993. Nearby Chapman saw 14 inches, while Kansas City, Missouri, reached 11 inches, its largest snowfall in years. In Ohio, Cincinnati set a new record for January 5, with 5 inches of snow—making it the snowiest day the city has experienced on record for this date.
Widespread winter weather warnings
Winter weather alerts are now in effect for about 60 million people across 18 states, from the Dakotas to Delaware. The storm is expected to move eastward, bringing a mix of snow, sleet, and ice to cities like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City by Monday.
The storm is forecast to stretch from Missouri to New Jersey by Monday, with a dangerous combination of heavy snow, sleet, and ice in its wake. As the system moves toward the East Coast, it will intensify, causing treacherous travel conditions and potential power outages.
Dangerous conditions ahead
Southern Kansas, Missouri, and parts of southern Illinois have already seen freezing rain and sleet, leading to up to half an inch of ice accumulation. By early Monday, around 200,000 customers across several states were without power due to downed lines and hazardous conditions.
The storm is now heading toward the East Coast, with areas like Washington, D.C., and Baltimore expected to see up to 12 inches of snow. If Washington surpasses 8.3 inches, it will mark the city’s largest snowstorm since 2016. Philadelphia is bracing for up to 4 inches of snow, which could make for dangerous road conditions as temperatures remain below freezing.
States of emergency declared
As the storm intensifies, states of emergency have been declared across multiple regions, including Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri. These declarations come as freezing rain and heavy snow continue to cause travel chaos and power outages.
The governors of Kentucky, Virginia, and Missouri have urged residents to prepare for the worst. In Louisville, Kentucky, officials have advised people to stay indoors and prepare for potential disasters, with up to three-fourths of an inch of ice expected to accumulate.
East Coast impact: What to expect
As the storm moves eastward, the I-95 corridor, including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia, is expected to face intense weather conditions. Snow totals in Washington, D.C., could range from 6 to 10 inches, with some suburban areas potentially seeing up to a foot of snow.
New York City and New Jersey are on high alert, with light snow expected to fall throughout Monday, possibly making for hazardous morning commutes. In New York, snow totals are expected to range from 1 to 3 inches, though a sharp cutoff between snowfall totals is likely.
In Boston and other parts of New England, however, the storm is expected to miss, with little to no snow accumulation.
Travel disruptions
The winter storm has already caused widespread travel disruptions, with over 1,300 flights canceled and more than 400 delayed by early Monday, according to FlightAware. Southwest Airlines saw the most cancellations, followed by American Airlines. Drivers across the affected regions are being urged to avoid travel if possible, as conditions deteriorate rapidly.
The cold factor
As the storm moves east, the jet stream will dive southward, bringing plunging temperatures to many regions. The coldest areas, including parts of Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, and West Virginia, will see the heaviest snow accumulation. Temperatures in these areas could drop below freezing, with some areas expected to hit as low as minus 18°C (0°F).
Wind gusts and ice accumulation are expected to cause additional issues, including widespread tree damage and prolonged power outages in affected areas.
The big picture
This storm is shaping up to be one of the most significant winter events of the season, with widespread impacts across the country. From record-breaking snowfalls in the Midwest to icy conditions on the East Coast, millions of Americans will be affected by this powerful weather system. It’s a stark reminder of how unpredictable and dangerous winter storms can be, and residents in the storm’s path are urged to take precautions.
