At least five fatalities have been reported due to Winter Storm Blair, which has impacted a vast expanse of the United States, inciting widespread school closures, mass flight cancellations, and power outages across several states. This storm has prompted emergency declarations in seven states: Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Arkansas.
**Winter Storm Blair Causes Devastation Across the U.S., Leaving Five Dead**
**Winter Storm Blair Causes Devastation Across the U.S., Leaving Five Dead**
A major winter storm disrupts multiple states with heavy snowfall, power outages, and travel chaos.
The severe weather, attributed to a polar vortex, has resulted in the cancellation of over 2,300 flights, alongside nearly 9,000 delays. According to Poweroutage.us, more than 200,000 individuals were without power as of Monday night. Snow and sleet are forecast to continue affecting much of the northeastern U.S. on Tuesday, as reported by the National Weather Service.
In Washington, D.C., approximately 5-9 inches (13-23 cm) of snow blanketed the area, with regions in Maryland and Virginia experiencing up to a foot. The storm led to the closure of federal offices and local schools, frustrating students who were set to return to class after winter break.
In an unusual twist, residents gathered at parks for snowball fights in D.C., and former Olympic skier Clare Egan was spotted cross-country skiing on the National Mall. The weather emergency in the capital is expected to last until Tuesday morning.
While many enjoyed the snow day, the storm's severity wreaked havoc in other areas. Missouri reported 365 car accidents on Sunday, resulting in numerous injuries—one fatality has been confirmed. Kansas, one of the hardest-hit areas, saw two fatalities due to car crashes amidst the storm. A Texas resident was discovered dead from exposure at a bus stop, while Virginia reported over 300 vehicle accidents, prompting local authorities to advise against driving.
Meteorologist Matthew Cappucci noted that Kansas City experienced its heaviest snowfall in 32 years. Conditions in some parts near the Ohio River became so treacherous that roads turned into "skating rinks."
Local residents across the affected states have been urged to avoid travel wherever possible as cleanup crews struggle with the hazardous conditions. The grim effects of Winter Storm Blair continue to unfold as the nation braces for weeks of subzero temperatures.
In Washington, D.C., approximately 5-9 inches (13-23 cm) of snow blanketed the area, with regions in Maryland and Virginia experiencing up to a foot. The storm led to the closure of federal offices and local schools, frustrating students who were set to return to class after winter break.
In an unusual twist, residents gathered at parks for snowball fights in D.C., and former Olympic skier Clare Egan was spotted cross-country skiing on the National Mall. The weather emergency in the capital is expected to last until Tuesday morning.
While many enjoyed the snow day, the storm's severity wreaked havoc in other areas. Missouri reported 365 car accidents on Sunday, resulting in numerous injuries—one fatality has been confirmed. Kansas, one of the hardest-hit areas, saw two fatalities due to car crashes amidst the storm. A Texas resident was discovered dead from exposure at a bus stop, while Virginia reported over 300 vehicle accidents, prompting local authorities to advise against driving.
Meteorologist Matthew Cappucci noted that Kansas City experienced its heaviest snowfall in 32 years. Conditions in some parts near the Ohio River became so treacherous that roads turned into "skating rinks."
Local residents across the affected states have been urged to avoid travel wherever possible as cleanup crews struggle with the hazardous conditions. The grim effects of Winter Storm Blair continue to unfold as the nation braces for weeks of subzero temperatures.
