A powerful winter storm is sweeping across the central and eastern United States, causing significant travel disruptions. The storm is bringing blizzard conditions, severe thunderstorms, and even tornadoes to many regions. Currently, over 30 million people are under winter weather alerts.
Blizzard Conditions and Warnings
The Upper Midwest is facing severe winter weather. States like Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are under blizzard warnings. Winds in these areas are gusting between 40 to 60 mph, resulting in dangerous whiteout conditions.
- Interstate 35, a key highway from Texas to Minnesota, has been closed in several sections.
- More than 125,000 customers lost power early Monday morning, primarily in Michigan.
- Significant snowfall has occurred in Michigan, with Marquette shattering its daily record with 11.5 inches.
Air Travel Disruptions
Air travel has also been heavily impacted. Thousands of flights were delayed or canceled on Sunday, particularly affecting Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport due to severe thunderstorms.
Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes
In addition to blizzards, severe thunderstorms developed along a cold front. Areas in Illinois reported damaging winds and tornadoes. Springfield experienced a dramatic temperature drop from the 70s to the 40s within hours.
- St. Louis, Missouri, recorded a high of 77 degrees before experiencing a rapid temperature decline.
- Within 10 minutes, temperatures in St. Louis fell by 10 degrees, leading to snow and lows in the 20s eight hours later.
Travel Advisories and Future Weather
Officials are advising against unnecessary travel in areas with blizzard warnings due to low visibility. As the storm moves eastward on Monday and Tuesday, the wintry conditions will shift north, while many areas in the Ohio Valley and I-95 corridor will likely see rain.
Freezing Rain and Icy Conditions
New England may encounter freezing rain, which raises the risk of icy roads and further power outages. The National Weather Service has warned of ice accumulations at rates of 0.06 inches per hour, particularly in Michigan and northern New York.
A significant temperature drop is expected across much of the central and southern U.S. Temperatures could fall from 20 to 30 degrees above average to 10 to 15 degrees below by Monday and Tuesday. Dangerous wind chills, as low as minus 30 degrees, are forecasted in parts of North Dakota and Minnesota.
This storm adds further complications to an already busy travel season, as over 100 million people plan to travel during the year-end holidays. Although conditions will gradually improve later this week, winter hazards are likely to persist during the ongoing travel rush.
