Much of the United States is dealing with harsh weather conditions due to the winter storm. While heavy snowfall, frost and icing negatively affected life in many states, major disruptions were experienced in transportation. A state of emergency (OHAL) was declared in the states of Kentucky, West Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri and New Jersey. Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri were among the states hardest hit by the winter storm.
More than 15 inches of snowfall was recorded in some areas in Kansas and Nebraska on Sunday. Kansas City, Missouri, hit nearly a record high in the city’s history with 11 inches of snowfall. This heavy snowfall, combined with rapid temperature changes, caused dangerous icing on highways. On the highways, vehicles skidded and crashed into barriers or other vehicles. AccuWeather reported that at least 3 people died in Kansas and Missouri due to these adverse weather conditions.
FIRINA REACHED THE OHIO VALLEY
The storm also affected the Ohio Valley, moving from the midwest to the east. Snowfall and icing made transportation difficult in the states of Indiana and Illinois. While 8 to 10 inches of snow accumulated in some areas in Indiana, most roads were closed in rural areas of Illinois. In Michigan, strong winds along with snowfall were also effective. The wind speed, which reached approximately 65 kilometers per hour, caused the snow to be blown off the ground, seriously reducing visibility.
The effects of the winter storm were also felt in the southeastern states. While snowfall intensified in Kentucky and Tennessee, snow depths of 6 to 8 inches were measured in some areas. In Atlanta and its surrounding areas, the roads were frozen due to cold weather as well as light snowfall. Unusual weather conditions in the Southeast posed a great danger, especially to unprepared drivers.
FREEZING COLD WAS EFFECTIVE
Snowfall in the northeast increased its impact in regions such as southern New York and New Jersey. While snow depth reached up to 9 inches in some areas in Southern New Jersey, freezing temperatures with light snowfall prevailed in New York City and surrounding areas. The National Weather Service (NWS) announced that dry but windy weather will continue across the Northeast throughout Tuesday and Wednesday.
AIR TRANSPORTATION WAS PARALYZED
The winter storm also caused major disruptions in air transportation. According to flight tracking site FlightAware, more than 3,500 flights were canceled across the country between Sunday and Monday. Airports in the capital Washington DC region were the places most affected by cancellations. More than 250 takeoff flights were canceled at Reagan National Airport, while hundreds of flights were unable to operate at Washington Dulles and Baltimore-Washington International airports.
ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE
Meteorologists reported that the effects of the winter storm will continue throughout the week. Cold weather, wind and snowfall are expected to be effective in the midwest and northeast regions until Wednesday. In particular, icing and decrease in visibility pose serious risks for both land and air transportation.
While these harsh winter conditions, which paralyze life in many states of the USA, disrupt the daily lives of millions of people, authorities warn to be careful.