A powerful snowstorm hit the mid-Atlantic region on Tuesday, leading to dangerous road conditions, school closures, and worries about power outages. Many accidents occurred as roads became icy, making travel unsafe.
Heavy Snowfall Expected
The National Weather Service predicted that some areas in Virginia and West Virginia could get up to 10 inches (25 cm) of snow. Additionally, ice accumulation could be severe in parts of Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia, with some higher elevations expecting up to half an inch (1.3 cm) of ice. This could cause trees and power lines to break, leading to power outages.
The weather service office in Blacksburg, Virginia, warned residents on social media, saying, “Did you think winter was over? Think again!” Snow and sleet started in western Virginia and North Carolina early in the day, and by the afternoon, freezing rain was expected.
Emergency Preparations
Appalachian Power, which supplies electricity to over 1 million people in Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee, called for 700 extra workers from nearby states to help restore power if needed.
Meanwhile, Virginia’s National Guard deployed 65 soldiers along Interstate 95, Route 29, and southwest Virginia to help with emergency responses. Another 20 service members were placed in support roles. The troops were equipped with chainsaws to clear roads, and Black Hawk helicopters were on standby for rescues.
Winter storm warnings stretched from Kentucky to New Jersey, and the snow was expected to turn into rain by Wednesday afternoon as temperatures rose.
A Second Storm on the Way
While the mid-Atlantic braced for snow and ice, another storm was set to bring heavy snowfall from Kansas to the Great Lakes starting Tuesday night. The Kansas Legislature canceled Wednesday meetings, and Governor Laura Kelly shut down state offices in Topeka due to the weather.
Dangerous Road Conditions
In Virginia, Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency. State police reported many accidents, including four injuries. The Department of Transportation urged people to stay off the roads.
Washington, D.C., federal workers were told to leave early, and schools in Baltimore also closed early. In West Virginia, multiple crashes shut down major highways. Towing companies were busy helping stranded vehicles, especially large trucks stuck on icy roads.
Frigid Temperatures and Tragic Losses
Freezing air spread across the U.S., from Portland, Oregon, to the Great Lakes. In Detroit, temperatures dropped to the lower teens (about -11°C). Tragically, two young children were found dead in a van parked in a casino garage, possibly from exposure to the cold. Police suspect the family may have been living in the vehicle.
Meanwhile, in Butte, Montana, temperatures hit -31°F (-35°C). Local rescue missions provided shelter and distributed warm clothing to the homeless. Over 36 people crammed into a 16-bed shelter overnight to escape the extreme cold.
This winter storm created dangerous conditions across several states, causing travel disruptions, power outage risks, and even tragic losses. Authorities advised people to stay indoors, drive cautiously, and check on vulnerable individuals during the extreme weather.
