A severe winter storm known as Winter Storm Blair has enveloped a significant portion of the United States, claiming at least five lives and throwing daily life into upheaval. The icy phenomenon has led to mass school cancellations, chaotic travel conditions, and widespread power outages across seven states: Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Arkansas.
Over 2,000 flights were canceled due to the storm, with around 6,500 additional delays reported as travelers battled extreme weather conditions attributed to a polar vortex that has descended from the North Pole. By Monday afternoon, more than 250,000 people found themselves without electrical power, with projections indicating additional snowfall throughout the night across the East Coast.
In Washington, D.C., where lawmakers were convened to certify the results of November's elections, conditions forced the closure of federal offices and local schools. Meteorologists predict that frigid Arctic air will continue to create icy conditions for several weeks to come. On Monday, Washington, D.C., recorded about 5-9 inches (13-23 cm) of snow, with some areas in Maryland and Virginia receiving nearly a foot.
The storm inspired a sense of camaraderie as hundreds gathered in front of the Washington Monument for a snowball fight—an activity that has been a local tradition for 15 years. Local skier Clare Egan, a former U.S. Olympic competitor, was spotted cross-country skiing on the National Mall, expressing joy over revisiting the sport.
As snow blanketed the region, children who were scheduled to return to school after the holiday break instead celebrated a snow day, prompting school closures from Maryland to Kansas.
The storm has also brought perilous travel conditions, particularly in Missouri, where highway patrol reported at least 365 accidents, leading to multiple injuries and at least one death on Sunday alone. Kansas reported two fatalities related to car crashes amidst heavy snowfall. In Houston, a man was found deceased in freezing conditions at a bus stop.
Authorities are advising residents to avoid unnecessary travel, as over 300 car crashes were recorded in Virginia alone. Meteorologist Matthew Cappucci emphasized the severity of the conditions in Kansas City, citing the highest snowfall in 32 years. Areas near the Ohio River turned treacherous, resembling "skating rinks," complicated by stalled ploughs and police vehicles.
Poweroutage.us, a website tracking power losses across the United States, reported over 260,000 people were without power by Monday afternoon in regions affected by the storm.
In light of the severe weather conditions and potential hazards, officials have urged residents to remain indoors as they navigate the challenging aftermath of Winter Storm Blair.
