Severe Weather Conditions Hit Central US States
A powerful winter storm has brought significant disruptions to several central states in the US, resulting in hazardous road conditions and widespread flight cancellations. Over 60 million people are currently under alert, with authorities urging caution and advising against travel.
States Most Affected by the Storm
Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky are among the states most severely impacted by the arctic cold wave, which has caused temperatures to plummet and brought snow, ice, rain, and strong winds. Local leaders have warned against traveling, citing the risks of accidents and stranded vehicles.
Flight Disruptions and Road Accidents
According to FlightAware, over 6,200 flights have been delayed, and 1,500 have been canceled, with the airports in St. Louis, Kansas City, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Chicago O’Hare being the most affected. Meanwhile, road accidents have been reported, including 285 crashes with 27 injuries in Missouri.
Power Outages and Emergency Declarations
The severe weather conditions have caused electricity outages, affecting over 110,000 homes, primarily in Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Texas, and Louisiana. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings, and several governors, including New Jersey’s Phil Murphy, have declared states of emergency to mobilize resources.
Storm Movement and Expected Snowfall
The NWS predicts that the storm will move from the central plains to the east coast, bringing notable snow accumulations to a strip from Ohio to Washington DC. The Washington DC metropolitan area is expected to receive at least 15 centimeters of snow, prompting the mayor to declare an emergency and close public schools.
Severe Thunderstorms and Tornado Warnings
The warmest part of the storm, which will move eastward tonight, may bring strong thunderstorms capable of generating tornadoes and damaging winds, affecting areas from Arkansas and Louisiana to Mississippi and Alabama.