Massive winter storm brings heavy snow in United States

A dangerous winter storm swept across the U.S. on Monday, causing havoc as it moved into the Mid-Atlantic. The storm left heavy snow, power outages, and treacherous travel conditions.

The storm disrupted air and train travel, with over 11,000 flights delayed or cancelled. Over 350,000 homes and businesses lost power from Missouri to Virginia. In Washington, D.C., where federal offices were closed, over 5.5 inches of snow fell at Reagan National Airport, marking one of the largest recent snowstorms.

Dangerous driving conditions stretched from West Virginia to Delaware, prompting multiple states, including Virginia, Kentucky, and Arkansas, to declare states of emergency. Authorities urged residents to stay off the roads due to widespread hazards.

Record snowfall across regions

The storm shattered snowfall records in Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, and West Virginia. New York’s Oneida County reported 67 inches of snow within 24 hours.

• Kansas City, Missouri: Recorded its fourth-highest snowfall total with 11 inches.

• Indianapolis, Indiana: Saw 7.8 inches of snow, the city’s largest storm in three years.

• Kentucky: Louisville had over 7 inches of snow, breaking a single-day record.

The storm claimed several lives, Two people died in a Kansas crash, while a pedestrian was killed by a sliding truck in Missouri. In Pennsylvania, a collision involving a Transportation Department plow truck claimed one life. Authorities reported numerous accidents and road closures, including portions of interstates in Missouri, Indiana, and Virginia.

Community amid the chaos

While many hunkered down to wait out the storm, others ventured out to enjoy the rare snowfall. In Washington, D.C., hundreds gathered at Meridian Hill Park for a massive snowball fight. Families built snowmen and went sledding as schools were closed.

“This is a big one!” said Grace Lowe, a D.C. resident walking her dog. “We haven’t seen snow like this in years.”

For some, it was their first experience with snow. Abi Ogundare brought her niece and nephew visiting from Southern California to a Washington park, where they marveled at the snow and built their first snowman.

As the Mid-Atlantic recovers, meteorologists warn the storm isn’t over. Another system will hit the South later this week, bringing snow, sleet, and freezing rain to Texas and surrounding states. Dallas, which averages 1.6 inches of snow annually, could see two to three times that amount in hours.

Eastern U.S. temperatures are expected to stay below freezing this week, prolonging dangerous conditions. Authorities urge caution and preparedness as crews clear roads and restore power.

Despite the chaos, moments of joy and community have emerged, demonstrating that people still find ways to come together.

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