Winter storms are wreaking havoc across the country. Over 90 million people were under weather alerts overnight. The snowstorm’s impact stretches from Kentucky to West Virginia. Major cities like New York and Washington, D.C., urged unsheltered people to seek refuge from the freezing temperatures.
Snowfall records set in the Washington
By Tuesday evening, Washington D.C. saw over 5 inches of snow. The U.S. Capitol reported similar totals. The snowstorm forced the Senate to delay a key vote on Tulsi Gabbard’s confirmation for a national intelligence post. The vote, originally set for 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, was moved to 11 a.m. due to the storm.
Winter weather alerts expand across the country
By Tuesday night, over 99 million people faced winter weather warnings. The storm affected areas from Denver and northwestern Texas to Michigan. Southern states like Tennessee and Virginia also issued alerts. The storm reached as far north as Massachusetts, causing widespread disruptions.
Snow emergency declared in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. declared a snow emergency Tuesday evening. Temperatures plunged, putting residents at risk. The city’s Department of Human Services warned people to stay inside and report anyone unsheltered. Alicia Jefferson, a Michigan native, wasn’t impressed. “This is nothing!” she said, though she acknowledged safety concerns for her students.
Snowfall across the Midwest and East Coast
Kansas braced for up to 10 inches of snow. Snow was already falling across the mid-Atlantic by Tuesday afternoon. Charlottesville, Virginia, saw 4½ inches by 5 p.m. Augusta County recorded 8 inches. The same storm moved toward the Southeast, bringing heavy rain and the risk of flooding. Freezing rain was expected in the Appalachians, adding to the chaos.
Arctic blast brings life-threatening cold
A brutal cold front followed the snowstorm. Temperatures in the northern Rockies and Great Lakes plummeted 25 to 35 degrees below average. North Dakota faced wind chills that could drop as low as minus 55°F, creating life-threatening conditions. Even Philadelphia, expecting its Super Bowl parade, saw 1½ inches of snow by 9 p.m. Tuesday.
Avalanche risks heighten in Utah
In Utah, warnings about avalanches remain critical. Four people have died this year due to avalanche-related accidents. On Monday, a skier triggered a massive avalanche on Mount Superior. No one was injured, but avalanche experts warn that the snow conditions remain dangerously unstable.
West Coast braces for more winter weather
The West Coast isn’t immune to the winter chaos. California prepares for a storm system to hit Wednesday night. The storm will bring rain and snow, particularly in higher areas. Mayor Karen Bass warned Los Angeles residents about potential debris flows, a risk heightened by last month’s wildfires.
Los Angeles prepares for possible flooding
Los Angeles has taken steps to mitigate flooding risks. Over 7,500 feet of concrete barriers and 6,500 sandbags were deployed to flood-prone areas. Mayor Bass emphasized the city’s preparations, noting that the storm drain system has been cleared and plans are in place to prevent polluted runoff.
This week, another storm is set to hit many of the same areas. The weather will only continue to worsen. Stay prepared, as more snow, cold, and rain could disrupt daily life across the U.S.
