A powerful winter storm blanketed parts of the central United States with heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures on Sunday, creating hazardous travel conditions and setting records in several areas. The National Weather Service described it as the potential “heaviest snowfall in a decade” for some regions, impacting 63 million people across the central and southern U.S.
States Struggle with Record Snowfall and Ice
Major roadways in Kansas, western Nebraska, and Indiana were buried under snow, leading to closures and travel chaos. Snowfall north of Interstate 70 in Kansas reached 10 inches, with some areas predicting totals exceeding 14 inches.
Indiana: Portions of major interstates were fully covered in snow, prompting officials to activate the state’s National Guard to assist stranded motorists.
Kentucky: Louisville recorded 7.7 inches of snow on Sunday, breaking a record from 1910, while Lexington reported 5 inches—another record.
Missouri: Blizzard conditions brought wind gusts up to 45 mph, stranding over 600 motorists.
In Virginia, at least 135 crashes were reported as snow and ice created treacherous conditions.
The storm wreaked havoc on air and rail transportation:
Nearly 200 flights in and out of St. Louis Lambert International Airport were canceled.
Amtrak services faced significant disruptions, with dozens of cancellations affecting routes between Chicago, New York, and regional cities.
States of Emergency Declared
Governors in Kentucky, Virginia, Kansas, Maryland, and West Virginia declared states of emergency to mobilize resources and prioritize public safety. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear urged residents to stay home, warning of widespread accidents and icy conditions.
Schools in Indiana, Maryland, Virginia, and Kentucky announced closures and delays for Monday, affecting tens of thousands of students. Jefferson County Public Schools in Kentucky canceled all activities, giving students a traditional snow day without online learning.
The storm is forecast to move into the Ohio Valley and reach the Mid-Atlantic by Monday, with snowfall projections of 8 to 12 inches in areas like Annapolis, Maryland. A hard freeze could extend as far south as Florida, while tornado warnings have been issued in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi due to damaging winds.
Bone-Chilling Cold to Follow
Temperatures are expected to plummet across the eastern U.S., with wind chills making conditions even more dangerous. Forecasters predict temperatures 12 to 25 degrees below normal, with single-digit lows in parts of the East Coast and as far south as Georgia.
As the storm’s grip tightens, officials continue to urge caution, emphasizing the risks of travel and prolonged exposure to the elements.