Severe Winter Storm Brings Snow, Ice, and Dangerous Travel Conditions Across Central U.S.

A powerful winter storm swept through the central U.S. on Sunday, bringing snow, ice, high winds, and plummeting temperatures, creating hazardous travel conditions. The storm, described by the National Weather Service as potentially delivering the “heaviest snowfall in a decade,” affected millions across the region.

Snow and ice blanketed major highways in Kansas, western Nebraska, and parts of Indiana, where the National Guard was activated to assist stranded motorists. Winter storm warnings were issued for Kansas, Missouri, and other states, with blizzard conditions including wind gusts up to 45 mph (72 km/h). Parts of Kansas and northern Missouri were expected to receive over 14 inches of snow, while areas north of Interstate 70 faced significant accumulation.

The storm’s impact extended beyond the Midwest, with warnings issued as far as New Jersey, where snowfall was expected to continue into Tuesday. Approximately 63 million people were under winter weather advisories, watches, or warnings on Sunday.

Midwest Struggles With Snow and Ice

In Indiana, heavy snowfall covered stretches of major interstates, prompting state police to urge residents to stay off the roads. Snowfall was so intense that plows struggled to keep roadways clear, according to Sgt. Todd Ringle of the Indiana State Police.

Central Kansas faced similar challenges, with parts of Interstate 70 closed due to “impassable” conditions. Some areas in Kansas saw up to 10 inches of snow by Saturday, with forecasts predicting even higher totals. Kentucky also set new snowfall records, with Louisville recording 7.7 inches on Sunday—shattering the previous record of 3 inches set in 1910.

In upstate New York, a lake-effect snowstorm left some areas buried under 3 feet of snow, with conditions expected to persist through Sunday afternoon. The storm was forecast to move into the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic states, bringing a hard freeze as far south as Florida.

Polar Vortex and Arctic Chill

The storm’s frigid temperatures were attributed to a polar vortex extending southward from the North Pole, a phenomenon linked to a warming Arctic. Temperatures were 12 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 14 degrees Celsius) below normal across much of the eastern U.S. on Sunday. Chicago saw temperatures in the teens, while Minneapolis dropped to near zero, and International Falls, Minnesota, recorded -11°F.

Forecasters warned of dangerous wind chills, particularly along the East Coast, with single-digit lows expected in some areas. A plume of cold air from Canada was predicted to bring freezing temperatures as far south as Georgia.

Travel Disruptions and Emergencies

The storm wreaked havoc on roadways, air travel, and rail systems. Hundreds of car accidents were reported across multiple states, with 600 motorists stranded in Missouri alone. Virginia State Police responded to at least 135 crashes, though no fatalities were reported. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency, urging residents to stay home for their safety.

Air travel was also disrupted, with nearly 200 flights canceled at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Amtrak canceled numerous train services, including routes between Chicago and New York and regional routes between Chicago and St. Louis.

Classes Canceled and Schools Closed

Many school districts in Indiana, Maryland, Virginia, and Kentucky announced closures and delays for Monday, citing unsafe travel conditions. Jefferson County Public Schools in Kentucky canceled all classes and activities for its nearly 100,000 students, marking an extended break after the holidays.

Safety Precautions and Government Response

Officials across several states, including Virginia, Kansas, Kentucky, and Maryland, declared states of emergency and implemented safety measures to manage the storm’s impact. Advanced warnings and increased preparations helped mitigate some risks, though authorities continued to stress the importance of staying off the roads and limiting exposure to the cold.

The storm serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by extreme winter weather, with its effects likely to be felt across the country well into the coming week.