Mon Jan 06 21:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Devastating Winter Storm Slams Eastern US, Leaving Trail of Death and Destruction

**Washington, D.C. –** A powerful winter storm that swept across the central and eastern United States over the weekend has left a trail of destruction, claiming at least four lives, leaving hundreds of thousands without power, and disrupting thousands of flights. The storm, which dumped over 20 inches of snow in some areas, is now moving out, but a dangerous Arctic blast is poised to hit the same region, posing a significant threat to those still without power.

The storm’s heaviest snowfall hit Washington, D.C., which experienced its snowiest day in two years, receiving over five inches. Federal government offices were closed, but Congress remained open for the certification of the 2024 Presidential Election. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser urged residents to stay off the roads to allow snowplow crews to work.

The storm’s deadly impact is evident in at least four traffic fatalities reported across Kansas and Missouri. Hundreds of car crashes were reported across multiple states, with major highways temporarily shut down due to snow and ice. The National Guard was deployed in several states to assist stranded motorists, with hundreds requiring rescue in areas such as Missouri and Indiana. In northwestern Missouri, hundreds of vehicles were stranded on I-29 before the interstate reopened Monday morning.

Power outages remain widespread, affecting over 300,000 customers from Missouri to Virginia. Utility companies are struggling to restore power, with some warning that repairs could take several days. The looming Arctic blast, expected to bring dangerously low temperatures, exacerbates the situation, creating a life-threatening scenario for those without heat. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear urged residents without power to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions.

The storm also caused significant disruptions to air travel, with over 3,700 flights cancelled across the US on Sunday and Monday. Several cities in Kansas saw record-breaking snowfall totals, further highlighting the storm’s intensity. As the storm moves out, authorities and utility crews are racing against time to clear roads and restore power before the arrival of the frigid Arctic air.

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