Washington: The first significant winter storm of the year swept across the U.S. mid-Atlantic region on Monday, shutting down federal offices and public schools in Washington, D.C., and dumping up to a foot of snow in parts of the Ohio Valley and Central Plains.
Heavy Snowfall and Severe Weather Conditions
The U.S. National Weather Service reported over five inches (12.7 cm) of snow in Washington, D.C., by midday, with some areas in Maryland and Virginia experiencing up to 12 inches. The storm was forecast to taper off by Monday evening as it moved out to sea.
Severe travel disruptions were reported along the storm’s path, prompting officials to urge drivers to stay off the roads. Several states, including Kansas, Kentucky, Arkansas, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland, declared states of emergency.
Following the storm, frigid Arctic air swept into the region, bringing freezing rain and icy conditions from Illinois to the Atlantic coast. Unusually cold temperatures are expected to persist throughout the week.
Record Snowfall and Travel Chaos
In the Central Plains, the storm left a deep freeze in its wake. Kansas experienced bitter wind chills ranging from -5°F to -25°F (approximately -15°C to -32°C). Kansas City recorded 11 inches (28 cm) of snowfall, the most from a single storm in over three decades, according to the National Weather Service.
The Missouri State Police reported responding to over 1,000 stranded motorists and 356 crashes on Sunday, including one fatality.
Disruptions in the Nation’s Capital
Despite the storm, Congress convened to certify Donald Trump’s election as president. However, federal offices in Washington, D.C., were closed.
The storm brought some lighthearted moments as well. Hundreds gathered at Meridian Hill Park in Washington for a snowball fight organized by the Washington DC Snowball Fight Association. Participants donned ski goggles for protection and engaged in friendly combat amidst the heavy snow.
“I did not come here to make friends!” joked Jack Pitsor, a local resident, before launching a snowball at his opponents.
Power Outages and Travel Delays
More than 330,000 homes and businesses in the central and southern U.S. lost power due to the storm, according to PowerOutage.us.
As of 1:30 p.m. EST, nearly 1,900 flights within, into, or out of the U.S. were canceled, according to FlightAware. Amtrak suspended dozens of trains on the busy Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington.
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Crews worked tirelessly to clear runways at Reagan National, Baltimore/Washington International, and Dulles airports. Despite their efforts, numerous flights faced delays or cancellations.
Virginia State Police responded to 300 car crashes between midnight and 11 a.m., while Maryland State Police recorded 123 crash reports within the same timeframe. In southeast Virginia, a man lost his life after his pickup truck skidded off the road around midnight. Authorities attributed the crash to a combination of weather conditions and alcohol.
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Schools and Businesses Shut Down
Public schools in several states, including Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Washington, and Philadelphia, canceled classes on Monday due to the storm.
