Winter blast of snow, ice and bitter cold grips the US from the Midwest to the East Coast
A major winter blast of snow, ice, wind, and plunging temperatures in the U.S. early Monday stirred dangerous travel conditions from central and southern states all the way to the East Coast, prompting schools and government offices in several states to close.
Snow and ice blanketed major roads across Kansas, western Nebraska, and parts of Indiana, where the state’s National Guard was activated to help stranded motorists. At least 8 inches (20 centimeters) of snow was expected, along with gusting winds up to 45 mph (72 kph).
The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings from Kansas and Missouri to New Jersey.
“For locations in this region that receive the highest snow totals, it may be the heaviest snowfall in at least a decade,” the weather service said.
Gary Wright wore a parka as he and his husband chipped away at thick ice coating his SUV in a slippery apartment parking lot in Missouri. Wright said he would work remotely on Monday but wanted to scrape off his vehicle as an excuse to spend a little time in the snow. He is also seeking boots for their two older dogs, which “won’t budge at all” when their paws hit the cold ground.
The polar vortex of ultra-cold air usually spins around the North Pole. People in the U.S., Europe, and Asia experience intense cold when the vortex escapes and plunges southward.
Studies show that the fast-warming Arctic is partly to blame for the increasing frequency with which the polar vortex extends its icy grip.
Classes canceled
School closings are expected to be widespread on Monday. Districts in Indiana, Virginia, and Kentucky began announcing cancellations and delays on Sunday afternoon. Kentucky’s Jefferson County Public Schools canceled classes, extracurricular activities, and athletics for its nearly 100,000 students.
Classes have also been cancelled in Maryland, where Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency Sunday and announced that the state government would be closed on Monday.
“Keeping Marylanders safe is our top priority. Please stay off the roads during this storm. Prepare your home and family and charge your communications devices in case you lose power,” Moore said in a statement.
