A winter storm swept through the mid-Atlantic states on Tuesday, causing hazardous road conditions, numerous accidents, and widespread school closures. Authorities expressed concerns over potential power outages, especially in areas expecting heavy ice accumulation. The National Weather Service predicted up to 10 inches (25 cm) of snowfall in parts of Virginia and West Virginia, with ice build-up reaching half an inch (1.3 cm) in some regions. Appalachian Power enlisted 700 extra workers to handle potential outages, while the Virginia National Guard deployed 65 soldiers and additional support personnel to assist in storm response efforts.
Winter storm warnings extended from Kentucky to southern New Jersey, with conditions shifting to freezing rain in some regions by the afternoon. Officials expected precipitation to turn into rain by Wednesday as temperatures increased. Meanwhile, a separate storm was forecast to bring heavy snow from Kansas to the Great Lakes. In response, the Kansas Legislature canceled meetings, and Governor Laura Kelly shut down state offices in Topeka.
Treacherous travel conditions led to numerous vehicle accidents, particularly in Virginia, where Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency. Virginia State Police reported multiple crashes, including injuries, and transportation officials urged residents to avoid travel. Federal offices in Washington, D.C., and schools in Baltimore dismissed employees and students early. In West Virginia, icy conditions caused significant traffic disruptions, with Smith’s Towing responding to multiple stranded tractor-trailers on Interstate 64.
Despite the chaos, some residents appreciated the snowfall’s beauty. Paige Williams, a bookstore owner in Lexington, Virginia, described the scene as a “winter wonderland,” though she closed her store due to the approaching snowstorm.
Frigid temperatures also gripped the Midwest and Northwest. Detroit saw temperatures in the lower teens (around -11°C), with two children tragically found deceased in a van, possibly due to exposure. In Montana, Butte hit -31°F (-35°C), straining homeless shelters as outreach groups distributed warm clothing. North Dakota and Oregon also faced extreme cold, with wind chills reaching -12°C in Portland. Additionally, an atmospheric river was expected to bring heavy rain and mountain snow to California from Thursday through Saturday.
