a powerful winter storm The first system of the year ravaged the central United States on Sunday, causing dangerous conditions from Kansas City to Washington. The storm caused disruption to travel, work and daily life across a large part of the country, causing weather alerts for millions of people.

Winter storm warnings were issued for about a dozen states from Kansas to New Jersey on Sunday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). More than 60 million people were affected by the storm, which brought high winds, freezing rain, hail, and snow. Areas to the south also faced the threat of tornadoes and extreme cold weather.

As the storm moved eastward, it caused severe disruption to air travel. As of Sunday evening, FlightAware reported nearly 2,200 flight cancellations and more than 25,000 delays across the country. High winds coupled with snow and ice created dangerous road conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Video from Kansas City showed vehicles sliding on icy highways, and several truck crashes, including jack-knifing of tractor-trailers on slick roads.

In Kansas and Missouri, the storm caused blizzard-like conditions with heavy snow accumulations and dangerous winds. The NWS is predicting up to a foot of snowfall in parts of the Midwest. The storm’s impact also extended into the Ohio Valley and central Appalachians, with heavy snowfall expected to continue through Sunday night and Monday.

“Areas of heavy snow will spread eastward through the Ohio Valley and central Appalachians tonight, reaching the northern Mid-Atlantic by Monday morning,” the NWS update said. In Washington, D.C., up to 10 inches of snow is expected overnight, making travel dangerous and causing the closure of government offices, including the U.S. Capitol. Lawmakers were scheduled to meet on January 6 to certify the presidential election, but the timing of the storm raised concerns about attendance and security. House Speaker Mike Johnson said, “Whether we’re in a blizzard or not, we can’t delay that certification,” because snow accumulation threatened to complicate the proceedings.

The storm also caused extremely cold temperatures, with temperatures dropping below zero Fahrenheit (minus 18 degrees Celsius) in some areas. A southward diving jet stream caused temperatures to fall well below seasonal norms, with strong wind gusts further exacerbating hazardous conditions. Severe storms were expected in the lower Mississippi Valley, and there was a risk of freezing rain and sleet in the central Mississippi and Ohio valleys.

Freezing rain caused dangerous travel conditions, snow-covered roads and the threat of widespread power outages. It was estimated that up to half an inch of snow would accumulate, which could cause downed trees and power lines. The NWS issued warnings about long-lasting power outages that could lead to millions of customers losing power, especially in areas between Kansas and the central Appalachian Mountains. States like Kentucky, still recovering from previous storms, were particularly vulnerable. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear warned the dangerous combination of freezing rain and plunging temperatures could cause more devastation for residents already struggling after September’s deadly storm.

In response to the severe storm, the governors of Kentucky, Missouri, and Virginia declared states of emergency. He urged residents on social media to stay at home and avoid non-essential travel. “Please stay home and avoid the roads if possible,” Governor Beshear pleaded after several crashes in his state caused major highway closures.

As storms intensify, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from extreme weather conditions. Here are some key safety tips to follow:

– stay indoors: If you don’t want to be outside, stay indoors. Avoid unnecessary travel and be prepared to shelter in place if necessary. The storm’s icy roads and extreme cold are dangerous for both pedestrians and motorists.

– Dress in layers: When going out, wear several layers of clothing to conserve body heat. Make sure to cover body parts like your hands, feet and head. Insulation materials like wool and fleece are best for retaining warmth.

– Keep a winter survival kit: Keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, bottled water, snacks, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. It is always better to be prepared in advance for situations when you may get stuck on the road.

– Keep your home safe: Make sure your home is properly insulated to prevent hearing loss. If you haven’t already done so, check that your pipes are protected from freezing, and stock up on essential items like food and water in case of a power outage.

– Stay informed: Stay up to date with the latest weather updates through trusted sources like the National Weather Service, local news stations, or weather apps on your phone. Pay attention to any warnings or advisories for your area.

– Check for vulnerable neighbors: Elderly or sick people are especially sensitive to extreme weather conditions. Reach out to neighbors or family members who may need assistance.

As millions of people bear the brunt of this dangerous winter storm, it is important to follow weather advisories, stay safe, and take precautions to protect yourself and your family. The storm’s far-reaching impacts highlight the need to be prepared for sudden and extreme weather conditions, especially as the country braces for frigid temperatures in the coming days.

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