A powerful winter storm is sweeping across the central United States, placing nearly 70 million people under winter weather alerts. This system is expected to deliver a dangerous mix of snow, ice, and blizzard conditions, with wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph.
Having already brought treacherous conditions to the Central Plains, the storm threatens travel disruptions and power outages across a vast region extending from Missouri to the mid-Atlantic. The National Weather Service warns that, for some areas, this could be the heaviest snowfall in over a decade.
Severe Impacts Expected
The Winter Storm Severity Index predicts widespread disruptions through Sunday, including hazardous driving conditions, closures, and significant interruptions to daily life in the Central U.S.
Key Affected Areas:
- Kansas City, Missouri: Blizzard warnings in effect until early Monday. Snowfall between 6 to 14 inches, with winds up to 45 mph.
- St. Louis, Missouri: Winter storm warnings until Monday morning. Snow and ice accumulations between 4 and 12 inches expected.
- Indianapolis, Indiana: Heavy mixed precipitation, with snow accumulations of 6 to 9 inches through Monday evening.
- Washington, DC: Snow and sleet with accumulations of 5 to 9 inches, beginning late Sunday.
Dangerous Ice Threat
An ice storm warning covers parts of southern Illinois, western Kentucky, and southeastern Missouri. Ice accumulations up to three-quarters of an inch could create life-threatening conditions. Travel in these regions is strongly discouraged as bridges and roads will likely become hazardous.
Governors in several states, including Kentucky, Virginia, and Missouri, have declared emergencies to prepare for the storm’s impacts. Power outages are anticipated in heavily iced areas, with restoration efforts potentially delayed due to poor road conditions.
Historic Snowfall Possible
Some cities are on track to experience record-breaking January snowfall totals:
- Kansas City may exceed its 2011 record of 7.2 inches.
- Indianapolis could surpass its 2014 record of 11.4 inches.
Severe Weather in the South
While the north contends with snow and ice, parts of the South face heavy rain and thunderstorms. A severe weather threat exists for Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi, where damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes are possible.
Travel Disruptions
The storm has already caused significant travel delays.
- Kansas City International Airport canceled nearly 75% of its flights on Sunday morning.
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport saw half its flights canceled.
Looking Ahead
The storm will move off the East Coast by late Monday, but extreme cold temperatures, up to 30 degrees below normal, will lock in snow and ice for the eastern U.S. through Tuesday. Residents are urged to stay alert, limit travel, and prepare for prolonged disruptions.