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Major winter storm paralyzes mid-Atlantic, disrupts travel and schools

A record-breaking winter storm that hammered the Midwest is now impacting the mid-Atlantic, blanketing areas with snow and ice. Over 1,400 flights have been canceled, and schools in cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., are closed.

Heavy snowfall disrupts daily life in mid-Atlantic cities

An ABC News graphic shows the additional snowfall expected in Monday on the East Coast and in the Midwest.
ABC News
  • Washington, D.C., and Baltimore: Both cities are under a winter storm warning with 8 to 12 inches of snow expected. D.C. faces its largest snowstorm since 2016 if totals exceed 8.3 inches. Federal offices are closed, and a snow emergency is in effect.
  • Philadelphia: A winter weather advisory is in place, with 2 to 4 inches of snow predicted, causing hazardous road conditions.

Midwest experiences record-breaking snowfall

Before reaching the East Coast, the storm hit the Midwest, dumping over a foot of snow in Kansas and setting a new single-day record in Cincinnati with 5 inches on Jan. 5.

Transportation and safety concerns mount

A county truck with a snowplow drives down a road in Shawnee, Kan., Jan. 5, 2024.
Chase Castor/Getty Images
  • Flight cancellations: Over 1,400 flights have been canceled across the U.S., with significant disruptions expected.
  • Road conditions: Officials urge residents to stay off the roads unless necessary. D.C. has deployed nearly 250 snowplows to keep streets clear, prioritizing routes for Congress, which is meeting to certify the 2024 election results.

Storm timeline and lingering effects

Snowfall will taper off by Monday evening, with New York City likely seeing only a light dusting and Boston spared entirely. However, lingering snow showers may continue in the mid-Atlantic into the evening.

Fatalities and impact

The storm has claimed three lives: one in Missouri and two in Kansas. Officials continue to monitor conditions as cleanup and recovery efforts begin in affected areas.

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Herbert Bauernebel

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