The Big Picture
A powerful winter storm is bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, and dangerous travel conditions across large portions of the U.S., from the Central Plains to the mid-Atlantic. Millions are under winter weather warnings and advisories as the storm disrupts power and travel.
Key Areas Impacted
Missouri and Kansas: Blizzard conditions are expected, with snow accumulations surpassing 15 inches in some areas—the heaviest snowfall in a decade. Wind gusts of over 40 mph will create near-zero visibility and impassable roads.
Central Appalachians and mid-Atlantic: A band of 8-14 inches of snow is forecast to stretch from northeast Missouri through the Central Appalachians. Areas near Washington, D.C., and Baltimore could receive up to a foot of snow and two-tenths of an inch of ice.
Mississippi/Ohio Valley: Freezing rain accumulation between a quarter and half an inch in states like Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri could lead to widespread power outages and tree damage.
Power Outages and Road Conditions
As of Sunday evening, over 112,000 customers were without power, with Kentucky, Missouri, and Illinois experiencing the most outages, according to PowerOutage.us.
In Kansas, the Highway Patrol responded to over 200 service calls related to deteriorating road conditions, including at least one fatal crash.
Warnings and Emergency Declarations
States, including Virginia, Kentucky, and Maryland, have issued emergency or preparedness alerts. Maryland’s governor declared a "state of preparedness" on Saturday.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell urged residents in affected areas to listen to local officials and avoid unnecessary travel.
What to Know?
Travel hazards: The storm has caused car crashes and delays due to icy and snow-covered roads. Officials are asking people to stay home and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Stay prepared:
Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel, a charged phone, and emergency supplies such as non-perishable food.
Keep your car's exhaust pipe clear of snow to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning if stranded.
What Officials Are Saying
Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Ben Gardner emphasized the importance of planning ahead: "Once [the storm] arrives, it’s best to sit in your home, stay safe, and watch local updates to know when it’s safe to travel again," he said.
Bottom Line
This winter storm is expected to bring significant snow, ice, and dangerous conditions across multiple states. Stay home, stay prepared, and stay tuned to local updates for the latest information.
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