An arctic blast is battering the southern US as a brutal winter storm blows from the Ohio River Valley to the mid-Atlantic on Sunday overnight into Monday.
The storm has disrupted travel, bringing heavy snow, ice and wind to the eastern two-thirds of the US. Hundreds of flights have been canceled across airports in the Midwest, and officials in several states are pleading with residents to keep off the roads unless there’s an emergency. Widespread power outages are likely.
“For some, this could be the heaviest snowfall in over a decade,” the NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center said in a statement.
Meanwhile, arctic air is blowing into the southern US, bringing single-digit “feels like” temperatures to much of Texas and causing officials to issue a freeze watch in Florida.
Severe thunderstorms are also barreling through the Mid-South, prompting tornado watches in areas of Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas Sunday afternoon.
Many states, including Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri and Virginia, issued states of emergency ahead of the storm. Washington, D.C. is also under a snow emergency alert as of Sunday afternoon.
“This winter storm will likely cause significant disruption and dangerous conditions on our roads and could cause significant power outages – just 24 hours before it gets dangerously cold,” Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said in a statement.
Key Points
- Brutal winter storm stretches from Central Plains to mid-Atlantic
- What to expect as winter storm pummels much of US
- Thousands already without power as storm begins rampage
- Missouri airports lead nation in flight cancelations
Nearly 150,000 power outages in worst-hit US states
04:36
Shweta Sharma
Severe weather has left nearly 150,000 residents without electricity in Missouri, Illinois, Louisiana and Kentucky, according to Poweroutage.US.
Kentucky suffered the most power outages with 52,754 remaining without electricity.
Heavy snowfall has brought down trees, snapping power lines and blocking roads, further complicating restoration efforts.
Flights cancelled as arctic blast causes travel chaos
03:45
Shweta Sharma
Heavy snow and freezing rain are causing travel chaos for millions of commuters across the US, as well as in parts of Europe and the UK.
In the US more than 1,000 flights were cancelled and over 3,000 were delayed due to the sweeping wintry weather conditions yesterday.
The Kansas City international airport temporarily halted flight operations in the afternoon due to ice.
Dozens of flights were delayed, including a charter jet transporting the Kansas City Chiefs, before the runways reopened.
Kansas also shut down all state highways due to “impassable” conditions, according to the state’s Transportation Department. The closures included roughly 220 miles (354kms) of the state’s main artery, Interstate 70, from the Missouri border into central Kansas.
Hundreds of car accidents were reported across Virginia, Indiana, Kansas, and Kentucky. In Kentucky, a state trooper sustained non-life-threatening injuries after his patrol car was struck on Interstate 65.
In Missouri, the highway patrol reported that at least 600 motorists were stranded.
Kentucky governor Andy Beshear, who declared a state emergency ahead of the storm, said state buildings would be closed Monday.
“We see far too many wrecks out there for people that do not have to be on the roads, so I want to ask: Stay inside. Stay safe with your family,” the governor said.
Virginia State Police reported at least 135 crashes as the storm entered the state Sunday. A handful of injuries were reported.
Seven US states declare emergencies
03:35
Shweta Sharma
Seven US states have declared whole or partial states of emergency as a wintry blast of snow, ice and wind is expected to roil the region with the heaviest snowfall and lowest temperatures in over a decade.
More than 60 million Americans across 30 US states are under weather alerts, bracing for heavy snow and bitter cold on Monday.
Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Arkansas and Missouri declared states of emergency, while New Jersey declared an emergency for several counties including Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said bone-chilling arctic air is set to move in behind the storm front, with daytime temperatures on Monday and Tuesday predicted to be 10 to 20 degrees F below average from the Great Plains to the East Coast.
Hundreds of car accidents were reported in Virginia, Indiana, Kansas and Kentucky, where a state trooper was treated for non-life-threatening injuries after his patrol car was hit on Interstate 65. At least 600 motorists were stranded in Missouri, the state’s highway patrol said.
Watch: Governor Andy Beshear says Kentucky should expect major impacts from winter storm
03:30
Katie Hawkinson
Mapped: Winter storm’s path to mid-Atlantic
02:00
Katie Hawkinson
A major winter storm will produce significant snow and ice from the Central Plains through the Mid-Atlantic. Severe thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening from the Sabine River Valley into the lower Mississippi Valley. pic.twitter.com/CYJeFnvZL6
— National Weather Service (@NWS) January 5, 2025
In pictures: Cincinnati sees flurry of snow
00:30
Katie Hawkinson
Several states to face ‘extensive area of heavy snow,’ NWS says
Sunday 5 January 2025 23:00
Katie Hawkinson
Several states will face an “extensive area of heavy snow” from the winter storm tonight and Monday, the National Weather Service said.
Northern Missouri and the Central Appalachians could see up to 14 inches of snow while the mid-Atlantic — including the Washington, D.C. metro area — could see up to a foot of snow.
“Heavy freezing rain” will also hit the Mid-South overnight, which could cause widespread power outages and create dangerous road conditions.
Ice coats Louisville, threatening power outages
Sunday 5 January 2025 22:30
Katie Hawkinson
Louisville, Kentucky has been hit with “significant icing,” prompting concerns about road travel and threatening power lines.
There are more than 20,000 customers without power in Kentucky as of late Sunday afternoon, according to PowerOutage.us. Meanwhile, about 30,000 customers are without power in nearby Missouri.
Unfortunately, you can see the glaze of ice in Warren County KY. Significant icing will create even more problems than just on the roads. Tree limbs and power lines are vulnerable too pic.twitter.com/Ryl2DbPSEO
— NWS Louisville (@NWSLouisville) January 5, 2025
More than 90% of flights leaving Kansas City airport canceled
Sunday 5 January 2025 22:00
Katie Hawkinson
Ninety-four percent of flights departing from Kansas City International Airport have been canceled as of late Sunday afternoon, according to FlightAware.
At the airport, 143 departing flights, along with 141 arriving flights, have been canceled so far today.
In pictures: Kentucky buried under winter storm
Sunday 5 January 2025 21:30
Katie Hawkinson
Dallas-Fort Worth airport sees almost 200 cancelations
Sunday 5 January 2025 21:15
Katie Hawkinson
Nearly 190 flights to and from Dallas-Forth Worth International Airport have been canceled today as severe winter weather disrupts travel across the country, according to FlightAware.
There have also been more than 1,000 delayed flights to and from the Texas airport.
This puts DFW as the airport with the third-most cancelations today, ranking just below Kansas City International Airport and St. Louis Lambert International Airport.
The Dallas-Forth Worth area, along with most of Texas, is under a cold weather advisory due to a blast of Arctic air this week. “Feels like” temperatures will drop into single digits this week through much of the state, according to the National Weather Service.
Watch: Multiple vehicles slide off Kansas City highway during winter storm
Sunday 5 January 2025 21:00
Katie Hawkinson
Tornado watches issued in multiple states
Sunday 5 January 2025 20:30
Katie Hawkinson
Intense thunderstorms are hitting the southern US, prompting tornado watches in areas of Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas.
A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas until 6 PM CST pic.twitter.com/VaGd4YcyUN
— NWS Tornado (@NWStornado) January 5, 2025
Midwest airports see increasing cancelations amid storm
Sunday 5 January 2025 20:00
Katie Hawkinson
Three major midwest airports are seeing hundreds of cancelations as a winter storm system passes from the Central Plains to the mid-Atlantic, according to FlightAware.
Kansas City International Airport is leading in cancelations today, with more than 270 flights to and from the airport canceled as of Sunday afternoon. St. Louis Lambert International Airport is in second place, with nearly 250 flights to and from the airport canceled.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport is starting to see cancelations too, with just under 160 flights to and from canceled as of Sunday afternoon.
These three airports are leading the US in cancelations this afternoon, FlightAware reports.
Watch: Nation’s capital bracing for dangerous winter storm
Sunday 5 January 2025 19:30
Katie Hawkinson
Severe thunderstorms to hit southern US
Sunday 5 January 2025 19:00
Katie Hawkinson
Severe thunderstorms will hit the southern US as a brutal winter storm passes across the country.
Level 3 thunderstorm warnings are in effect for parts of Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, according to the Storm Prediction Center.
Heavy rain, high winds and damaging hail are all expected.
Snowfall could break records in many cities
Sunday 5 January 2025 18:29
Katie Hawkinson
This week’s winter storm could break January snowfall records in several cities as it brings heavy snow and ice to much of the US.
Kansas City could be on track to surpass its previous January snowfall record of 7.2 inches, set in 2011. Meanwhile, Indianapolis could surpass its 2014 record of 11.4 inches for the month of January.
Power outage update: Kansas improves as Missouri numbers rise
Sunday 5 January 2025 18:00
Katie Hawkinson
As a winter storm pummels the Central Plains region, thousands are expected to lose power due to heavy snow and ice.
In Kansas, just over 6,000 customers are without power, an improvement from the 10,000 reported this morning.
Meanwhile, Missouri has more than 20,000 customers without power, up from 15,000 this morning.
In pictures: Kansas hit with blizzard-like conditions
Sunday 5 January 2025 17:37
Katie Hawkinson
Pictures roll in as snow blasts midwest
Sunday 5 January 2025 17:02
Katie Hawkinson
Pictures are rolling in from the midwest as snow and ice blast the region.
Here is just a snapshot of Webcams from around southern IN & central KY. Roads are snow covered or turning icy. Frz. rain around Bowling Green. Roads are hazardous. Just avoid any unnecessary travel. pic.twitter.com/T9ofqonggi
— NWS Louisville (@NWSLouisville) January 5, 2025
Rolling Up Our Sleeves on I-70
— Trooper Ben (@TrooperBenKHP) January 5, 2025
When icy roads demand action, we do whatever it takes to get Kansas moving safely again.
Westbound I-70 near Exit 252 has been closed due to ice and crashes, but thanks to the hard work of KDOT and our troopers, it’s being prepped for reopening.… pic.twitter.com/PfeGIgfncJ
From outside our office in Weldon Spring - snow is picking up in intensity! Pictures are courtesy of two snow-loving meteorologists hear at NWS St. Louis. pic.twitter.com/z7NMsH0WrS
— NWS St. Louis (@NWSStLouis) January 5, 2025
Kansas police post humorous warning to stay off roads
Sunday 5 January 2025 16:57
Katie Hawkinson
The Lawrence, Kansas Police Department issued a humorous warning on X telling residents to stay off the roads as a winter storm pummels their region.
“The crash reports haven’t stopped, but they’ve slowed significantly,” the department wrote. “Precipitation is not currently falling, and traffic has lightened substantially (finally).”
“THIS DOES NOT MEAN THE ROADS ARE IN GOOD SHAPE, ALAN. Keep your suburbitank in the driveway and turn up the fireplace.”
The crash reports haven’t stopped, but they’ve slowed significantly. Precipitation is not currently falling, and traffic has lightened substantially (finally). THIS DOES NOT MEAN THE ROADS ARE IN GOOD SHAPE, ALAN. Keep your suburbitank in the driveway and turn up the fireplace.
— Lawrence Police (@LawrenceKS_PD) January 4, 2025
Missouri officials issue plead with residents to avoid non-emergency travel
Sunday 5 January 2025 16:22
Katie Hawkinson
Missouri officials are imploring residents to avoid non-emergency travel until tomorrow as snow and ice pelt the region.
“Drivers need to avoid traveling until conditions improve sometime on Monday,” Missouri Department of Transportation Chief Safety and Operations Officer Becky Allmeroth, according to local outlet KMBC.
“For the remainder of this weekend, travel should be limited to emergencies only,” Allmeroth added. “These difficult conditions will also delay response times for our crews and emergency response partners.”
The National Weather Service issued a similar warning.
“Again, PLEASE STAY HOME IF AT ALL POSSIBLE,” the agency’s bureau in Kansas City wrote on X. “Or at very least use EXTREME caution.”
Missouri airports lead nation in flight cancelations
Sunday 5 January 2025 16:06
Katie Hawkinson
Two airports Missouri — where more than 16,000 people are already without power as a winter storm blasts the Central Plains — are leading the country in flight cancelations, according to FlightAware.
Airlines have canceled 218 flights to and from St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Another 191 flights to and from Kansas City International Airport were also canceled as of Sunday morning.
These airports have canceled more flights than any other airport in the US today, FlightAware data shows.
Officials have warned that air travel could be disrupted and road travel could become highly dangerous due to heavy snowfall and ice from the storm, which will reach the mid-Atlantic late Sunday or early Monday.
Thousands already without power as storm begins rampage
Sunday 5 January 2025 15:56
Katie Hawkinson
More than 25,000 people are already without power across Kansas and Missouri, according to PowerOutage.us, as a winter storm hits the Central Plains before heading toward the mid-Atlantic.
Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska could see winds over 40 mph and up to 15 inches of snowfall today, according to the National Weather Service. Meanwhile, up to 14 inches of snow could hit northeast Missouri through the Central Appalachians.
Arctic air to impact millions, reaching as far south as Florida
Sunday 5 January 2025 15:48
Katie Hawkinson
Freezing air from the Arctic will hit the eastern two-thirds of the US, the Associated Press reports, bringing strong and frigid wind chills to millions of people.
This Arctic blast will even impact Florida, according to the AP.
“The wind chills are going to be brutal,” Woodwell Climate Research Institute climate scientist Jennifer Francis told the outlet.
This wind could make for the coldest January in the country since 2011, Accuweather Director of Forecast Operations Dan DePodwin said.
This winter storm is expected to make road travel particularly dangerous, bringing heavy snowfall and ice to several states.
What to expect as winter storm pummels much of US
Sunday 5 January 2025 15:43
Katie Hawkinson
A “major winter storm” bringing “significant snow and ice” across the Central Plains and mid-Atlantic regions will strike today through Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska could see winds over 40 mph and 15 inches of snowfall today. Meanwhile, up to 14 inches of snow could hit northeast Missouri through the Central Appalachians.
A “substantial area” of freezing rain is also expected from Kansas through the Central Appalachians today.
The mid-Atlantic region, including the major metro areas of Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., will see the worst of the storm tonight through Monday.
Brutal winter storm stretches from Central Plains to mid-Atlantic
Sunday 5 January 2025 15:38
Katie Hawkinson
A winter storm will barrel across the US today and Monday, bringing up to a foot of snow along with ice and rain to millions.
Some 70 million people are under some kind of weather alert this morning as the storm ramps up. Dangerous travel conditions and power outages are expected as the system moves from the Ohio River Valley to the East Coast late Sunday into Monday.
“For some, this could be the heaviest snowfall in over a decade,” the NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center said in a statement.
Follow along for live updates from The Independent.