A powerful winter storm that set snowfall records in the Midwest has moved into the mid-Atlantic region, bringing heavy snow, ice, and widespread disruptions. Schools and offices across multiple states have closed, and over 1,800 flights have been canceled nationwide, with more than 800 others delayed.
The storm, which began wreaking havoc in the Midwest over the weekend, has now reached the Interstate 95 corridor, affecting cities such as Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Winter storm warnings and advisories have been issued across a broad swath of the United States, with authorities urging caution due to hazardous road conditions and power outages.
In Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, 8 to 12 inches of snow are forecast, prompting school closures and the suspension of Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo operations. If D.C. receives more than 8.3 inches of snow, it would mark the city's largest snowstorm since 2016. In Philadelphia, where 2 to 4 inches of snow are expected, a winter weather advisory warns of slick roads. Farther north, New York City might see a dusting of snow, while Boston is expected to avoid snowfall altogether.
The heaviest snowfall in the mid-Atlantic is expected to taper off by Monday evening. However, snow showers could persist in some areas into the night. The storm's impact has been severe, leaving more than 300,000 customers without power across Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri, according to PowerOutage.us.
Before reaching the East Coast, the storm brought record-breaking snowfall to the Midwest. Topeka, Kansas, saw 14 inches, while Chapman, Kansas, received a staggering 18 inches. In Cincinnati, 5 inches of snow set a single-day record for January 5. These accumulations created hazardous conditions, with numerous states declaring emergencies to address the storm's impact.
Governors in states including Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri have declared states of emergency to expedite responses and ensure public safety. Maryland Governor Wes Moore emphasized the importance of proactive measures, stating, "A State of Preparedness enhances the state's ability to respond swiftly and effectively to potential hazards and threats before they escalate." Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear warned residents of dangerous conditions, saying, "This winter storm will likely cause significant disruption and dangerous conditions on our roads and could cause significant power outages - just 24 hours before it gets dangerously cold."
Flight disruptions have compounded the storm's effects, with airports across the country reporting significant delays and cancellations. By Monday morning, over 1,800 flights had been canceled, and an additional 800 were delayed, according to the tracking platform FlightAware.
The National Weather Service has cautioned residents in the storm's path to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Emergency response teams are working around the clock to restore power and clear roads, but officials warn that conditions may remain treacherous as temperatures drop further.