- Winter Storm Wreaks Havoc In Parts Of US: A powerful winter storm, named Storm Blair, is wreaking havoc across the central and eastern United States, affecting over 60 million people. The storm has prompted emergency declarations in seven states, including Kentucky, Missouri, and New Jersey, due to heavy snowfall and dangerous travel conditions.
- Record Snowfall Expected: Meteorologists predict that many areas could experience the heaviest snowfall in over a decade. Kansas and Missouri have reported blizzard conditions, with some regions receiving over 15 inches of snow. Kansas City has been particularly hard hit, with roads described as “a skating rink” and multiple vehicle accidents reported.
- Travel Disruptions: The storm has led to significant travel disruptions, including hundreds of canceled flights across the country. Airlines such as American, Delta, and Southwest are waiving change fees for affected travelers. Major highways have been closed due to poor visibility and hazardous conditions, prompting governors to urge residents to stay home.
- Power Outages: Nearly 150,000 customers are without power in states like Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky due to downed trees and power lines from the heavy snow and ice. Kentucky has been particularly affected, with over 52,000 outages reported.
- Cold Snap Follows the Storm: Following the storm’s passage, an arctic air mass is expected to plunge temperatures significantly below average across the Midwest and East Coast. Daytime temperatures could be 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit lower than usual, creating additional challenges for recovery efforts.
As the storm continues its path eastward, residents in affected areas are advised to monitor local weather updates and prepare for potentially severe conditions in the coming days.