The first major winter storm of the year is battering a 2,100-mile stretch of the United States, from the Northwest and Plains to the mid-Atlantic and East Coast.
This massive system is unleashing heavy snow, near-blizzard conditions, and dangerous ice accumulations, putting millions at risk of power outages and travel disruptions across major metropolitan areas.
After slamming the West Coast earlier this week and even spawning California’s first tornado of the year, the storm rolled through the northern Rockies and central Plains over the weekend. In Wichita, Kansas, freezing drizzle coated roads in ice, leading to a surge in accidents and warnings from meteorologists to stay home.
Blizzard Warnings and Treacherous Ice Across the Midwest
Blizzard Warnings are in effect across dozens of counties in Kansas and Missouri, including major hubs like Wichita and Kansas City. Winds of up to 50 mph are creating whiteout conditions, marking the first Blizzard Warning for parts of these areas in years. Meanwhile, south of the snow band, nearly an inch of ice is expected to coat regions from southern Missouri through Kentucky, likely leading to widespread power outages and long-lasting damage.
Interstate 70 has become a hotspot for accidents, forcing troopers to shut down portions of the highway. “Significant crashes are happening in multiple counties,” reported Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Ben Gardner.
Governors in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Virginia have declared states of emergency, with Maryland declaring a state of preparedness as the storm threatens widespread havoc.
Record Snowfall Totals and Arctic Air
The storm is delivering some of the season’s heaviest snowfall, with up to a foot expected in parts of Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, and West Virginia. Certain areas, including the Appalachians and Great Lakes, could see even higher totals due to local terrain effects. Cities like St. Louis, Louisville, and Kansas City are bracing for 5-8 inches of snow, while Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia could see 3-6 inches by Monday night.
“This is the big one,” said Becky Allmeroth of the Missouri Department of Transportation. Crews are preparing for round-the-clock snow removal as cities declare emergencies to manage the storm’s impact.
Adding to the challenges, Arctic air following the storm will plunge temperatures across the northern U.S., keeping snow and ice on the ground for days and creating additional hardships for unprepared residents.
Severe Weather Threatens the South
On the warmer side of the system, severe thunderstorms are expected to sweep across the South, with the potential for damaging winds and tornadoes. The NOAA Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 3 risk for parts of northern Louisiana, western Mississippi, and southeastern Arkansas. Regions recently struck by December tornadoes are again in the storm’s path.
Air Travel and Transportation Disrupted
The storm has wreaked havoc on air travel, with thousands of flight delays and cancellations over the weekend. Kansas City International Airport was temporarily closed due to icy conditions but has since reopened. Major airlines are offering flexible rescheduling options, but travelers continue to face long lines and disruptions.
Unlike typical winter storms, this system is accompanied by an extended Arctic blast, ensuring snow and ice will linger for much of the month. “This Arctic outbreak is going to sit here all week,” said meteorologist Mike Seidel, warning that the storm’s impacts will be felt long after the snow stops falling.
