Tue Jan 07 15:50:00 UTC 2025: **Major Winter Storm Blankets US, Causes Widespread Disruption**

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — A powerful winter storm swept across the United States on Monday, January 6, 2025, bringing heavy snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures from the central and southern states to the East Coast. The storm caused widespread travel disruptions, school closures, power outages, and flight cancellations, impacting millions.

The storm’s intensity surprised many, affecting areas not typically known for severe winter weather. Southern states experienced downed trees, while even Florida faced the threat of a freeze. Dallas, Texas, saw wind chills plummet to -9°C (16°F).

The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of further challenges, with a low-pressure system expected to develop near south Texas by Wednesday, potentially bringing snow to Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Lingering snow and ice in the central Plains, Ohio Valley, and Atlantic regions are expected to persist, creating hazardous black ice conditions.

The storm led to a nearly seven-hour traffic jam in Cincinnati, Ohio, caused by multiple semi-trucks becoming stuck in snow and ice. Hundreds of car accidents were reported across several states, including Virginia, where at least 430 crashes occurred over the weekend and Monday. Several weather-related fatalities were also reported.

The disruption extended to air travel, with over 2,300 flights canceled and nearly 9,100 delayed nationwide. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport temporarily closed runways for snow removal. Significant flight cancellations also occurred at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, which received a record 8 inches of snow on Sunday.

Numerous school districts in Indiana, Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, and Kansas canceled or delayed classes. Governors in Kentucky and Maryland declared states of emergency, and government offices were closed in several states. Power outages affected over 218,000 customers across multiple states. In Richmond, Virginia, a power outage led to a temporary water system malfunction, prompting a boil water advisory.

Meteorologists attribute the severity of the storm to a southward shift of the polar vortex, a phenomenon some experts link to the warming Arctic. While not record-breaking, the storm served as a stark reminder of the potential impacts of extreme weather events. The NWS continues to monitor the situation and issue warnings as the storm progresses.

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