A powerful winter storm swept through parts of the central U.S. on Sunday, bringing a mix of snow, ice, wind, and plummeting temperatures. The disruptive weather system has led to treacherous travel conditions and the potential for the heaviest snowfall in a decade in some areas.
Major roadways in Kansas and Indiana were blanketed with snow and ice, prompting the activation of the state's National Guard to assist stranded motorists. Winter storm warnings were issued by the National Weather Service for Kansas, Missouri, and extending to New Jersey, with blizzard conditions reported in some areas.
The storm is expected to bring significant snow accumulations, with some regions forecasted to receive up to 14 inches of snow and sleet. The severe weather is set to move into the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic states, causing widespread travel disruptions and a hard freeze reaching as far south as Florida.
Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hail are also possible in the Lower Mississippi Valley as the storm system progresses. Upstate New York has already experienced over 3 feet of snow from a prolonged lake effect event.
The storm has resulted in numerous car accidents and overturned vehicles, particularly in Kansas, where whiteout conditions have made driving hazardous. Governors in Missouri and Arkansas have declared states of emergency, and air travel has been significantly impacted, with hundreds of flights canceled or delayed.
The frigid temperatures accompanying the storm are expected to bring bone-chilling cold and wind chills across the eastern two-thirds of the country. Temperatures are predicted to plummet well below normal, with cities like Chicago and Minneapolis experiencing subzero temperatures.
States like Virginia, Kansas, Kentucky, and Maryland have issued emergency declarations, urging residents to take precautions. In Annapolis, Maryland, residents were asked to clear emergency snow routes, and shelters were prepared for those in need. Baltimore issued an extreme weather alert, warning of dangerously low wind chills.
In Louisiana, efforts are underway to locate a manatee spotted in Lake Pontchartrain before the arrival of cold temperatures. Winter sightings of manatees raise concerns as the animals can suffer from cold stress when temperatures drop significantly.
As the winter storm continues to impact various regions, authorities are urging residents to stay safe and take necessary precautions to weather the severe conditions.
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