With five fatalities reported and 2,000 flights canceled due to Winter Storm Blair, numerous US states experience severe weather, leading to power outages and significant school closures. Experts warn of ongoing icy conditions as the storm impacts daily life across the country.**
Five Lives Lost as Devastating Winter Storm Accord Through the US**
Five Lives Lost as Devastating Winter Storm Accord Through the US**
A severe winter storm wreaks havoc across multiple states, prompting emergency declarations and widespread disruption.**
A major winter storm, dubbed Winter Storm Blair by meteorologists, has resulted in five fatalities and has affected a wide area of the United States with its icy conditions. The storm has led to state emergencies being declared in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Arkansas.
Travel disruptions are extensive, with over 2,000 flights canceled and nearly 6,500 delays reported across the country. The polar vortex, responsible for this extreme weather, has resulted in severe snowfall, particularly in the East Coast where communities are bracing for continued snowfall throughout the evening.
While federal offices and schools closed in Washington D.C. on Monday, thousands took to the streets for winter fun. Residents participated in traditional snowball fights, and former US Olympic skier Clare Egan enjoyed cross-country skiing on the National Mall, highlighting a mix of resilience and joy amidst the adverse weather.
In contrast, the storm has caused dangerous driving conditions. Missouri reported over 365 traffic accidents on Sunday alone, with reports of high speed collisions contributing to fatalities in both Kansas and Virginia. Local authorities have issued warnings to residents urging them to refrain from driving where possible.
Across the storm's path, more than 260,000 people were without power early Monday afternoon as outages stretched from Missouri to Virginia. Matthew Cappucci, Senior Meteorologist at MyRadar, noted that Kansas City experienced its heaviest snowfall in over three decades, turning roads into treacherous "skating rinks.”
As the storm's impact continues, authorities and meteorologists are attentive to the ongoing conditions which may present further challenges to communities recovering from the storm. Gilbert, one potential area for further disaster, remains under a weather emergency. As the storm persists, experts regard the icy conditions as a threat that could last for weeks to come.
