Key Takeaways:
- Over 50 million Americans across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic are under winter weather alerts.
- More than 1,900 flights have been canceled nationwide, impacting travel plans.
- Federal offices and schools in major cities, including Washington, D.C., are closed due to the storm.
A historic winter storm that shattered snowfall records in the Midwest is now wreaking havoc across the Mid-Atlantic. The storm has caused widespread travel disruptions, power outages, and school closures, with more than 50 million people under winter weather alerts from Kentucky to Washington, D.C.
Snow and Ice Grind the Midwest to a Halt
The storm first pummeled the Midwest over the weekend, leaving over a foot of snow in parts of Kansas and Missouri and more than 10 inches at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Tragically, the storm claimed four lives, two each in Missouri and Kansas, as icy roads and freezing temperatures created hazardous conditions.
Traffic crawled to a standstill in cities like St. Louis and Indianapolis, where snow-covered highways posed significant challenges. Despite efforts by snowplows and emergency services, many areas remained impassable.
Mid-Atlantic Braces for Impact
As the storm moved eastward, it brought heavy sleet, freezing rain, and snow to the Mid-Atlantic region. Washington, D.C., experienced up to six inches of snow by Monday afternoon, prompting federal offices to close and the declaration of snow emergencies in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Philadelphia, Baltimore, and D.C. schools also shut their doors, leaving children and adults alike to embrace the unexpected break. Hundreds gathered at Washington’s Meridian Hill Park for a massive snowball fight, an impromptu event that brought some levity to an otherwise chaotic day.
“You know how rare it is to get decent snowfall in D.C.? So, we want to have some fun with it,” said Michael Lippin, one of the event organizers. Local teacher Tiik Pollet added, “You get to just chill—literally—and be kids again.”
Travel Disruptions Across the U.S.
Air travel was severely impacted, with more than 1,900 flights canceled nationwide. Airports in Chicago, St. Louis, and Cincinnati faced significant delays and cancellations, stranding thousands of passengers. D.C. Transportation Director Sharon Kershbaum urged residents to stay off the roads, stating, “If you don’t need to travel, please don’t.”
The city deployed nearly 250 snowplows to clear major roads, prioritizing routes for Congress members gathering for a joint session to certify the 2024 presidential election results.
Power Outages and Emergency Preparations
The storm also caused power outages in parts of Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, leaving thousands without heat in freezing temperatures. Utility companies worked around the clock to restore power, but icy conditions hampered efforts.
President Joe Biden’s administration has been closely monitoring the situation, with federal resources on standby to assist affected states.
What’s Next?
Another round of snow is expected to sweep through the D.C. area by Monday evening, potentially adding to the existing totals. Meanwhile, cleanup and recovery efforts are underway across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic as residents dig out from one of the most impactful winter storms in recent memory.