Washington, January 5, 2025: A powerful winter storm is sweeping across the United States from the Plains to the East Coast, bringing blizzards, heavy snow, treacherous ice, and freezing rain, the National Weather Service (NWS) warned on Sunday The severe weather is expected to persist through Monday, putting millions at risk.
Governors in Kentucky and Virginia have declared states of emergency in preparation for the storm’s impact. “The storm is still developing,” said Rich Bann, a meteorologist with the NWS Weather Prediction Center. “It presents multiple hazards, from heavy snowfall in the Plains to dangerous icing farther south.”
As of Saturday evening, over 60 million Americans were under winter weather warnings, watches, or advisories. A broad area stretching from Nebraska and Kansas through Ohio, Indiana, southwestern Pennsylvania, and northwestern Virginia could receive snow accumulations ranging from 1 inch (2.54 cm) to 1 foot (30 cm). Officials are particularly concerned about ice buildup, which could cause widespread power outages.
In southern Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee, a wintry mix of freezing rain and ice is forecast for Sunday, with meteorologists warning of hazardous road conditions and potential damage to power infrastructure. “Driving in some areas will be nearly impossible,” Bann cautioned.
On Saturday afternoon, Kansas City International Airport in Missouri was temporarily closed due to rapid ice accumulation, airport officials confirmed on social media.
Bann added that the storm should clear the East Coast and move out into the Atlantic by late Monday. However, a new surge of Arctic air is expected to sweep into the eastern two-thirds of the country by midweek, bringing bitterly cold temperatures.
Authorities are urging residents to stay off the roads, monitor weather updates, and prepare for potential power outages.
