A major winter storm has hit the U.S., bringing with it snow, ice, wind, and plunging temperatures that have created hazardous travel conditions from central and southern states to the East Coast. Schools and government offices in several states have been forced to close due to the severe weather.
States like Kansas, western Nebraska, and parts of Indiana have been blanketed with snow and ice, leading to the activation of the state's National Guard to assist stranded motorists. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings from Kansas and Missouri to New Jersey, with some areas expecting the heaviest snowfall in at least a decade.
The polar vortex, a phenomenon of ultra-cold air typically centered around the North Pole, has shifted southward, causing frigid temperatures across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The fast-warming Arctic is believed to be a contributing factor to the increased frequency of these extreme weather events.
School closures are widespread, with districts in Indiana, Virginia, and Kentucky announcing cancellations and delays. Maryland has declared a state of emergency, urging residents to stay off the roads and prepare for power outages.
Over the weekend, hundreds of motorists were stranded in Missouri, and numerous car accidents were reported in Virginia, Indiana, Kansas, and Kentucky. State officials have emphasized the importance of staying indoors to avoid unnecessary risks on treacherous roads.
The storm has disrupted air and rail travel, with numerous cancellations affecting passenger railways and flights in and out of major airports. Temperatures are expected to plummet across the eastern two-thirds of the U.S., with wind chills making it feel even colder than the actual temperature.
Residents in the Northeastern states are bracing for several days of bitter cold following a relatively mild start to winter. The deep freeze is forecasted to extend as far south as Georgia, with single-digit lows expected along the East Coast.
As the winter storm continues to impact various regions, authorities are urging caution and preparedness to ensure the safety of individuals and communities affected by the extreme weather conditions.
