A huge winter storm is relentlessly crossing America, bringing a swat of hazardous snow and ice. Unbearable amounts of snow and freezing rain are causing activities to come to a standstill while the weather remains dangerous outside. The storm stretches more than 2400 km across Kansas and the East Coast, affecting millions and causing havoc for flights, conveyance, and daily living.
Blizzard Warnings and Hazardous Conditions
The National Weather Service (NWS) has announced a blizzard warning for Kansas and Missouri, extending winter storm and ice warnings straight to Washington, D.C. Early Sunday, Kansas began experiencing freezing rain, sleet, and snow. However, the worst is yet to come as forecasters expect heavy snow and wind gusts of more than 64 km/h before it all ends.
Kansas could see over 15 inches of snow, the heaviest in a decade, making roads nearly impossible to drive on. Snow in Northeast Missouri to the Central Appalachians is expected to get 8 to 14 inches. Washington, D.C., will brace for up to 10 inches of overnight snow by Monday.
Airports and Travel Disruptions
Travel has already been severely impacted. Kansas City International Airport shut down operations on Saturday, resuming later after treating runways. With wind chills plunging temperatures to as low as -18°C, the storm is expected to cause delays and cancellations at airports from Kansas to New Jersey.
Read more: Two Russian Oil Tankers Damaged in Black Sea Storm
Dangerous Freezing Rain and Ice
One of the storm’s biggest threats is the mix of freezing rain and sleet from Kansas to Kentucky and Virginia. Thick ice is likely going to form on roads, making driving extremely dangerous. It’s just one of the many effects that the weather is forecasted to have, along with knocking down trees and power lines. This will possibly leave millions in the dark when the freezing temperatures set in.
Communities Still Recovering
This storm now brings a unique danger to the Appalachian landscapes. Areas within Kentucky and the neighbouring states are still recovering from a horrible hurricane that struck in September of last year. Now, they are braving yet another onslaught of extreme weather. Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky is asking the people to avoid unnecessary travel and be prepared.
States of Emergency Declared
Governors in Kentucky, Missouri, and Virginia have declared an emergency to help their states deal with the storm. Officials are warning people to expect power outages, hazardous roads, and dangerous wind chills.
This winter storm is shaping up to be one of the worst in years, impacting millions across the country. If you’re in the affected areas, take precautions, stay off the roads if possible, and keep an eye on local updates. Staying prepared can make all the difference during such extreme weather events.
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