Massive Winter Storm Strikes U.S. with Snow and Ice

Millions of Americans Bracing for Extreme Cold and Disruptions

A fierce winter storm is sweeping across the U.S. on Sunday, bringing heavy snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures to millions. The storm, fueled by a polar vortex, has already led to states of emergency being declared in Kansas, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Virginia, while Southern states like Mississippi and Florida prepare for unusually cold conditions.

Polar Vortex Brings Arctic Cold to U.S.

A polar vortex, a large area of low-pressure cold air circulating around the Arctic, has shifted southward, plunging much of the country into a deep freeze. This storm is affecting around 60 million people across 30 states, stretching from the Plains to the mid-Atlantic. As the storm progresses eastward, videos shared online show snow falling in parts of Kentucky, including Shepherdsville and Monroe County.

Travel Delays and Road Closures

The impact on travel has been widespread. As of Sunday morning:

• More than 1,200 flights have been delayed, and 750 flights canceled across the U.S., according to FlightAware.com.
• Kansas City International Airport has experienced nearly 190 cancellations, while St. Louis Lambert International has reported over 190 disruptions.
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport has faced 120 cancellations and more than 60 delays.

Southwest Airlines is experiencing the highest number of disruptions, with over 230 cancellations and 250 delays. Kansas City International briefly closed on Saturday for runway clearing, causing delays, including for a charter plane carrying the Kansas City Chiefs.

On the roads, an 18-mile stretch of Interstate 70 in Kansas was shut down as blizzard conditions brought up to 14 inches of snow and 40 mph winds. The National Weather Service has warned that “dangerous or impossible driving conditions” are expected throughout Sunday, urging people to stay off the roads.

Historic Snowfall in the Midwest

The storm is bringing some of the heaviest snow seen in the region in over a decade. The National Weather Service forecasts up to 15 inches of snow in parts of northeastern Kansas and north-central Missouri. Cities like Cincinnati, Chicago, and St. Louis have already treated roads and set up warming centers in preparation.

Blizzard warnings have been issued for over 2 million people in Kansas and Missouri, warning of limited visibility and sustained winds of at least 35 mph.

Southern States at Risk of Severe Weather

The storm is not only about snow. The lower Mississippi Valley faces severe weather, with around 7 million people at risk of tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds. Cities including Jackson, Mississippi, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, are on alert.

Meanwhile, the mid-Atlantic and central Appalachians will see snow and ice, with Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia preparing for hazardous conditions. Parts of Virginia may see up to 12 inches of snow by Monday morning.

Dramatic Temperature Drop Nationwide

Once the storm passes, temperatures will plunge significantly across much of the U.S. Highs are expected to range from:

• Single digits and teens in the Midwest and Plains
• 20s and 30s in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast

The northern Plains will see the most extreme cold, with temperatures dropping to minus 20°F and wind chills reaching minus 40°F. Cold weather warnings are in effect from eastern Montana to Minnesota.

Power Outages Affect Thousands

Power outages are adding to the challenges, with over 40,000 customers in Missouri, North Carolina, Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma without electricity on Sunday morning, according to PowerOutage.US. Utility crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible.

Airlines Waive Fees Amid Disruptions

Major airlines, including American, Delta, Southwest, and United, are waiving change fees in response to widespread flight disruptions.

What to Expect in the Coming Days

This storm is expected to continue affecting parts of the country through Tuesday, with snow tapering off in the mid-Atlantic by Monday evening as the system moves out to sea. However, the cold temperatures will persist through Friday, impacting much of the eastern U.S.

Authorities urge people to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for power outages as the storm continues to bring extreme conditions. With the country facing one of its harshest winter storms in years, ensuring safety is the top priority for millions.