As Winter Storm Blair blankets much of the United States in snow and ice, emergency declarations and school closures abound, while citizens brave the elements for a taste of winter fun.
Winter Storm Blair Claims Lives and Disrupts Daily Life Across the US
Winter Storm Blair Claims Lives and Disrupts Daily Life Across the US
A powerful winter storm wreaks havoc, causing widespread travel issues and fatalities
At least five lives have been lost due to the ferocious Winter Storm Blair, which has gripped a large portion of the United States, bringing widespread travel chaos, school closures, and power outages. Emergency declarations have been made in seven states: Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Arkansas.
With over 2,300 flights canceled and almost 9,000 delays reported as a direct result of the storm, many Americans are stranded during this unpredictable weather event, which has been fueled by an influx of polar air. According to Poweroutage.us, more than 200,000 people experienced electrical outages late Monday night. The National Weather Service forecasts continued snowfall and sleet in the northeastern states throughout Tuesday.
Federal offices and local schools have closed in the Washington, DC area as the winter storm threw a wrench in the return of many students from their winter break. Snowfall in the nation's capital ranged between 5 to 9 inches, with some nearby regions receiving up to a foot. Amidst the storm, many locals seized the opportunity for outdoor activities, including a traditional snowball fight at a local park near the Washington Monument.
Former Olympic skier Clare Egan made the most of the snow by cross-country skiing along the National Mall, remarking that she had thought her days of skiing were over after relocating to the city. The winter weather emergency remains in effect in Washington, DC, until early Tuesday morning.
However, the situation was dire in some other regions impacted by the storm. In Missouri, at least 365 crashes were reported on Sunday, resulting in numerous injuries and a fatality. Kansas was another state severely affected, where local news reported the deaths of two individuals in separate car accidents during the storm. A tragic finding also surfaced in Houston, Texas, where one person was discovered deceased due to exposure at a bus stop.
In Virginia, authorities reported around 300 vehicle accidents between midnight and early morning, urging residents to stay off the roads. Senior meteorologist Matthew Cappucci from MyRadar stated that Kansas City experienced its heaviest snowfall in over three decades, and expressed concerns over dangerously slick roads, especially near the Ohio River. As authorities continued to rally for safety, many Americans were advised to remain indoors until conditions improved.
With over 2,300 flights canceled and almost 9,000 delays reported as a direct result of the storm, many Americans are stranded during this unpredictable weather event, which has been fueled by an influx of polar air. According to Poweroutage.us, more than 200,000 people experienced electrical outages late Monday night. The National Weather Service forecasts continued snowfall and sleet in the northeastern states throughout Tuesday.
Federal offices and local schools have closed in the Washington, DC area as the winter storm threw a wrench in the return of many students from their winter break. Snowfall in the nation's capital ranged between 5 to 9 inches, with some nearby regions receiving up to a foot. Amidst the storm, many locals seized the opportunity for outdoor activities, including a traditional snowball fight at a local park near the Washington Monument.
Former Olympic skier Clare Egan made the most of the snow by cross-country skiing along the National Mall, remarking that she had thought her days of skiing were over after relocating to the city. The winter weather emergency remains in effect in Washington, DC, until early Tuesday morning.
However, the situation was dire in some other regions impacted by the storm. In Missouri, at least 365 crashes were reported on Sunday, resulting in numerous injuries and a fatality. Kansas was another state severely affected, where local news reported the deaths of two individuals in separate car accidents during the storm. A tragic finding also surfaced in Houston, Texas, where one person was discovered deceased due to exposure at a bus stop.
In Virginia, authorities reported around 300 vehicle accidents between midnight and early morning, urging residents to stay off the roads. Senior meteorologist Matthew Cappucci from MyRadar stated that Kansas City experienced its heaviest snowfall in over three decades, and expressed concerns over dangerously slick roads, especially near the Ohio River. As authorities continued to rally for safety, many Americans were advised to remain indoors until conditions improved.
