The article text:
A powerful winter storm, which meteorologists have named Winter Storm Blair, has descended upon a large section of the United States, claiming the lives of at least five individuals while wreaking havoc on travel, causing mass school closures, and leading to significant power outages.
In response to the extreme weather, seven states have declared emergencies: Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Arkansas. The storm has resulted in the cancellation of more than 2,300 flights, with nearly 9,000 additional delays reported as various airports contend with the harsh conditions stemming from a polar vortex that has brought uncharacteristically cold air to regions usually not accustomed to such weather.
According to Poweroutage.us, over 200,000 residents were left without power by Monday evening as the storm continued to progress. The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted that snow and sleet will persist in much of the northeastern United States on Tuesday, exacerbating the ongoing difficulties.
In Washington, D.C., the weather led to the closure of federal offices and local schools. Snowfall in the nation’s capital amounted to approximately 5-9 inches (13-23 cm), while areas of Maryland and Virginia saw up to a foot of snow. Despite the chaos, the inclement weather fostered a spirited atmosphere as locals partook in a massive snowball fight near the Washington Monument, celebrating a cherished 15-year tradition.
Former U.S. Olympian skier Clare Egan took to the National Mall for a cross-country skiing outing, expressing surprise at the opportunity to ski again after relocating to D.C. Lawmakers also gathered in the capital on Monday to certify the electoral results, underscoring the juxtaposition of legislative duty amidst the wintry backdrop.
As the storm's impact reinforces a winter weather emergency until early Tuesday, students who were poised to return to school after the winter holidays found delightful reprieve in snow days, with many districts closing across Maryland to Kansas.
The storm established treacherous road conditions as well. In Missouri, the state's highway patrol reported at least 365 crashes on Sunday alone, with numerous injuries and at least one death. Kansas, one of the hardest-hit areas, saw two fatalities linked to dangerous driving conditions during the storm. In Houston, one person was discovered deceased due to the frigid temperatures outside a bus stop on Monday morning.
Virginia authorities reported 300 car accidents in just a few hours as icy roads prompted officials to caution residents against unnecessary travel. Senior meteorologist Matthew Cappucci from the MyRadar weather app indicated that Kansas City experienced its heaviest snowfall in 32 years, remarking that the roads had turned into "skating rinks" in some areas, urging residents to remain at home for safety.
Across the country, several states continue to grapple with the impacts of this ferocious winter storm, as officials intensify warnings about road safety and the need for caution in the face of dangerously low temperatures.
A powerful winter storm, which meteorologists have named Winter Storm Blair, has descended upon a large section of the United States, claiming the lives of at least five individuals while wreaking havoc on travel, causing mass school closures, and leading to significant power outages.
In response to the extreme weather, seven states have declared emergencies: Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Arkansas. The storm has resulted in the cancellation of more than 2,300 flights, with nearly 9,000 additional delays reported as various airports contend with the harsh conditions stemming from a polar vortex that has brought uncharacteristically cold air to regions usually not accustomed to such weather.
According to Poweroutage.us, over 200,000 residents were left without power by Monday evening as the storm continued to progress. The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted that snow and sleet will persist in much of the northeastern United States on Tuesday, exacerbating the ongoing difficulties.
In Washington, D.C., the weather led to the closure of federal offices and local schools. Snowfall in the nation’s capital amounted to approximately 5-9 inches (13-23 cm), while areas of Maryland and Virginia saw up to a foot of snow. Despite the chaos, the inclement weather fostered a spirited atmosphere as locals partook in a massive snowball fight near the Washington Monument, celebrating a cherished 15-year tradition.
Former U.S. Olympian skier Clare Egan took to the National Mall for a cross-country skiing outing, expressing surprise at the opportunity to ski again after relocating to D.C. Lawmakers also gathered in the capital on Monday to certify the electoral results, underscoring the juxtaposition of legislative duty amidst the wintry backdrop.
As the storm's impact reinforces a winter weather emergency until early Tuesday, students who were poised to return to school after the winter holidays found delightful reprieve in snow days, with many districts closing across Maryland to Kansas.
The storm established treacherous road conditions as well. In Missouri, the state's highway patrol reported at least 365 crashes on Sunday alone, with numerous injuries and at least one death. Kansas, one of the hardest-hit areas, saw two fatalities linked to dangerous driving conditions during the storm. In Houston, one person was discovered deceased due to the frigid temperatures outside a bus stop on Monday morning.
Virginia authorities reported 300 car accidents in just a few hours as icy roads prompted officials to caution residents against unnecessary travel. Senior meteorologist Matthew Cappucci from the MyRadar weather app indicated that Kansas City experienced its heaviest snowfall in 32 years, remarking that the roads had turned into "skating rinks" in some areas, urging residents to remain at home for safety.
Across the country, several states continue to grapple with the impacts of this ferocious winter storm, as officials intensify warnings about road safety and the need for caution in the face of dangerously low temperatures.
