Winter storm paralyses US with snow, power outages, and travel disruptions

A powerful winter storm, named Storm Blair, is wreaking havoc across the United States, prompting seven American states — Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas, and parts of New Jersey — to declare an emergency. Fuelled by a Polar Vortex, the storm is causing disruptions on a scale not seen since 2011.

Snowfall in Washington, DC, could reach up to 16 inches in isolated areas, with freezing rain and sleet adding to the chaos.

The storm has already resulted in heavy snowfall, frigid temperatures, travel disruptions, over 1,300 flight cancellations, and power outages affecting more than 2,50,000 homes and businesses.

TRAVEL CHAOS AND POWER OUTAGES

A winter storm has forced the cancellation of over 1,300 flights nationwide, leaving travellers stranded. Washington, DC’s airports are among the hardest hit, with Reagan National Airport reporting 416 cancellations, Dulles International 155, and Baltimore-Washington International 203.

The storm has also caused significant power outages, with over 2.5 lakh homes and businesses left in the dark across central and southern US, according to PowerOutage.us.

SNOWFALL TOTALS AND WARNINGS

Snowfall totals have already surpassed four inches in several areas. Woolsey, Virginia, reported 5.2 inches of snow, while La Plata, Maryland, recorded 4.2 inches by Monday morning. The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts that parts of the Mid-Atlantic, including Washington, DC, could see 6–12 inches of snow before the storm moves offshore.

“Hypothermia is possible if precautions are not taken,” warned the NWS, highlighting the risks of extreme cold in regions such as southwest and south-central Alabama, southeast Missouri, and northwest Florida. Wind chill values in these areas could plunge to 16°F (-8°C), accompanied by dangerous surf and rip currents along coastal zones.

STATES OF EMERGENCY DECLARED

Governors in Kansas, Kentucky, Arkansas, West Virginia, and Virginia have declared states of emergency, enabling the mobilisation of resources to address the crisis. “We’re preparing for the worst,” said a spokesperson for Virginia’s governor’s office.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has issued a weather watch from January 6-10, warning of increased energy demand that could strain the power grid.

PRECAUTIONS AND ARCTIC AIR AHEAD

Residents are advised to stay indoors, dress in layers, and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. “Dress in layers and avoid going outside unless necessary,” local officials cautioned.

As the storm moves eastward, Arctic air is expected to follow, plunging daytime temperatures significantly and prolonging hazardous conditions.

Storm Blair, driven by a Polar Vortex, is the most disruptive winter event in over a decade, reminiscent of similar conditions last seen in 2011. While the storm is forecast to clear by late Monday, its aftermath — power outages, travel delays, and freezing temperatures — will likely continue to affect millions in the days ahead.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant, monitor local updates, and take precautions to ensure safety during this ongoing weather emergency.