A severe winter storm swept across the central United States on Sunday, unleashing snow, ice, strong winds, and plunging temperatures, creating hazardous travel conditions. Forecasters warned of the potential for the “heaviest snowfall in a decade” in some areas.
States of emergency have been declared in Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri, while even typically warm Florida braces for rare freezing conditions.
The National Weather Service issued storm warnings for Kansas and Missouri, predicting at least 8 inches of snow, particularly in areas north of Interstate 70. Strong winds reached speeds of up to 45 miles per hour (72.42 km per hour), creating blizzard conditions. The warning was extended to New Jersey through Monday and early Tuesday.
‘Heaviest snowfall in a decade’
Major highways in Kansas, western Nebraska and parts of Indiana were covered in snow and ice, prompting Indiana to mobilise its National Guard to assist stranded motorists.
“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 said early Sunday.
63 million Americans under advisories
According to Bob Oravec from the National Weather Service, approximately 63 million Americans were under various winter weather advisories, watches or warnings on Sunday.
The polar vortex, typically circulating around the North Pole, brings severe cold to the US, Europe and Asia when it moves southward. Research indicates that rapid Arctic warming contributes to the increasing instances of the polar vortex extending southward.
In Indiana, snow completely covered sections of Interstate 64, Interstate 69 and US Route 41. Indiana State Police urged drivers to avoid travel while snow ploughs attempted to manage the continuous snowfall.
“It’s snowing so hard, the snow plows go through and then within a half hour the roadways are completely covered again,” Sgt. Todd Ringle told the Associated Press.
Train and flight services cancelled
The severe weather significantly affected the Midwest region. Train services connecting Chicago with New York and St. Louis faced cancellations on Sunday.
St. Louis Lambert International Airport experienced substantial disruption, with FlightAware reporting approximately 200 flight cancellations both inbound and outbound.
Kentucky achieved new snowfall record
Central Kansas experienced closure of a portion of I-70 by Saturday afternoon. Areas of the state received approximately 10 inches (25 centimetres) of snow, whilst forecasts predicted combined snow and sleet accumulation exceeding 14 inches across parts of Kansas and northern Missouri.
Louisville, Kentucky registered 7.7 inches (19.5 cm) of snow, establishing a new record that surpassed the previous 3 inches (7.6 cm) set in 1910. Similarly, Lexington, Kentucky achieved a new snowfall record of 5 inches (12.7 cm).
In upstate New York, lake effect snow deposited 3 feet (0.9 metres) or more, with the event expected to continue until late Sunday afternoon.
Weather service issued tornado alerts
The weather system was expected to advance towards the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic regions Sunday into Monday, bringing freezing conditions as far south as Florida. The Deep South experienced tree damage from strong winds.
The weather service issued tornado alerts Sunday across Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Numerous vehicle accidents reported
The weather service cautioned about dangerous driving conditions. Virginia, Indiana, Kansas and Kentucky reported numerous vehicle accidents, including an incident involving a state trooper on Interstate 65. Missouri’s highway patrol reported approximately 600 stranded motorists.
Northeastern Kansas authorities closed highways, including 220 miles (354 kilometres) of Interstate 70 from Missouri to central Kansas, citing impassable conditions.
Virginia State Police documented 135 crashes as the storm arrived, with some injuries but no fatalities reported. The railway system faced significant disruption, with over 20 cancellations planned for Sunday, 40 for Monday and two for Tuesday.
‘Forecasters warned of severe cold conditions’
From Monday onwards, forecasters warned of severe cold conditions affecting the eastern two-thirds of the nation. Temperatures were expected to fall 12 to 25 degrees (7 to 14 degrees Celsius) below standard levels.
Sunday temperatures in Chicago remained in the teens (minus 7 to 10 Celsius), whilst Minneapolis approached zero. International Falls, Minnesota, near the Canadian border, recorded minus 11 degrees.
Jon Palmer, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Gray, Maine, indicated that northeastern states would face several cold days, contrasting with the previously mild winter. He predicted a cold but dry week due to Canadian air movement southward.
Palmer noted that the cold air would affect the eastern half of the country, reaching as far as Georgia. The East Coast would experience freezing temperatures, with some areas dropping to single digits.
Palmer also warned of increasing winds throughout the week, creating potentially hazardous conditions for those exposed outdoors for extended periods.
The National Weather Service forecast 8 to 12 inches (about 20 to 30 centimetres) of snow around Annapolis, Maryland, with sub-freezing temperatures throughout the weekend.
Stay inside, stay safe: emergency declared
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin issued an emergency declaration on Friday via X, urging residents to vote before Tuesday’s special elections.
While Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared an emergency and announced closure of state buildings for Monday, urging residents to remain indoors for safety.
“We see far too many wrecks out there for people that do not have to be on the roads, so I want to ask: Stay inside. Stay safe with your family,” the governor said.
Widespread school closures were anticipated for Monday. Educational institutions across Indiana, Maryland, Virginia and Kentucky began announcing cancellations on Sunday afternoon.
