Amidst a sweeping winter storm that has gripped a large portion of the United States, the nation confronts the tragic consequences including the loss of at least five lives. The severe weather has prompted states including Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Arkansas to declare emergencies due to the hazardous conditions. Over 2,300 flights were canceled as the extreme weather conditions caused havoc at airports, with nearly 9,000 delays reported nationwide.
According to Poweroutage.us, the storm has left over 200,000 people without power as of Monday night. Snow and sleet are expected to continue in much of the northeastern United States, as warned by the National Weather Service (NWS). Correspondingly, federal offices and local schools have closed across the Washington DC area, with substantial snow accumulation reported.
In Washington DC, where lawmakers convened on Monday to certify the election of Donald Trump, snowfall ranged from 5-9 inches (13-23 cm), while neighboring Maryland and Virginia recorded up to a foot in some areas. However, the winter storm took an entertaining turn as hundreds of locals gathered for a snowball fight at a park near the Washington Monument, celebrating a long-standing communal tradition. Local resident’s enjoyment was echoed by former Olympic skier Clare Egan, who took to the National Mall for a cross-country skiing session, embracing the unexpected weather.
Schools that were set to reopen after winter vacation announced closures, granting children a snow day as winter weather continued to dominate the forecast. However, with the storm's far-reaching impacts, Missouri reported over 365 accidents involving injuries, with at least one fatality, while Kansas faced two deaths attributed to storm-related car crashes. Additionally, authorities in Virginia reported hazardous road conditions resulting in numerous crashes.
In the face of these challenges, meteorologist Matthew Cappucci from MyRadar emphasized the historic nature of the storm, noting Kansas City experienced its heaviest snowfall in 32 years. As communities cope with icy conditions, officials have cautioned residents statewide to refrain from driving unless absolutely necessary. The winter storm, which has been aptly named Winter Storm Blair by the Weather Channel, remains a stark reminder of the power of nature's wrath during the winter months.
According to Poweroutage.us, the storm has left over 200,000 people without power as of Monday night. Snow and sleet are expected to continue in much of the northeastern United States, as warned by the National Weather Service (NWS). Correspondingly, federal offices and local schools have closed across the Washington DC area, with substantial snow accumulation reported.
In Washington DC, where lawmakers convened on Monday to certify the election of Donald Trump, snowfall ranged from 5-9 inches (13-23 cm), while neighboring Maryland and Virginia recorded up to a foot in some areas. However, the winter storm took an entertaining turn as hundreds of locals gathered for a snowball fight at a park near the Washington Monument, celebrating a long-standing communal tradition. Local resident’s enjoyment was echoed by former Olympic skier Clare Egan, who took to the National Mall for a cross-country skiing session, embracing the unexpected weather.
Schools that were set to reopen after winter vacation announced closures, granting children a snow day as winter weather continued to dominate the forecast. However, with the storm's far-reaching impacts, Missouri reported over 365 accidents involving injuries, with at least one fatality, while Kansas faced two deaths attributed to storm-related car crashes. Additionally, authorities in Virginia reported hazardous road conditions resulting in numerous crashes.
In the face of these challenges, meteorologist Matthew Cappucci from MyRadar emphasized the historic nature of the storm, noting Kansas City experienced its heaviest snowfall in 32 years. As communities cope with icy conditions, officials have cautioned residents statewide to refrain from driving unless absolutely necessary. The winter storm, which has been aptly named Winter Storm Blair by the Weather Channel, remains a stark reminder of the power of nature's wrath during the winter months.
