A major winter storm has hit the southern U.S., causing cold temperatures, snow, and ice. The storm has brought trouble to areas that don’t often experience severe winter weather, including downed trees in some southern states and a threat of freezing temperatures in Florida. People in Dallas were pulling out their winter coats, hats, and gloves to deal with the cold.
Cold Weather Expected Across the Country
By Tuesday morning, the wind chill in Texas and along the Gulf Coast could drop to the teens or low 20s (around -10.5°C). A low-pressure system forming in South Texas on Wednesday could bring snow to parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana, including Dallas.
The polar vortex, which usually stays around the North Pole, dipped south over the weekend. This caused dangerously cold weather across the eastern U.S., making many roads icy and unsafe. Schools were closed, power outages spread, and flights were delayed or canceled.
Transportation Issues and Accidents
The storm caused major transportation problems. In Kansas, Nebraska, and parts of Indiana, snow and ice blanketed roads. Authorities had to call in the National Guard to help stranded drivers. Winter storm warnings were issued in Kansas, Missouri, and New Jersey, with gusty winds of up to 45 mph (72 kph).
Several car accidents were reported in Virginia, Indiana, Kansas, and Kentucky. In Virginia, state police responded to over 400 accidents. More than 2,300 flights were canceled, and thousands of others were delayed. The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky airport saw record snow, causing flight delays for several days.
More Snow and Cold Temperatures Ahead
The storm is expected to bring more snow and ice. The Mid-Atlantic region could see another 6 to 12 inches of snow, while dangerously cold temperatures will continue. In North Texas, snow is expected to start Thursday, with Oklahoma and Arkansas also facing snow.
School Closures and State of Emergency
Several school districts, including those in Indiana, Virginia, Kentucky, and Missouri, canceled or delayed classes. In Kentucky, Jefferson County Public Schools canceled classes for nearly 100,000 students. Maryland’s governor declared a state of emergency, and state offices were closed. Kentucky also declared a state of emergency due to the storm.
Power Outages Impacting Thousands
Power outages affected many areas, leaving over 218,000 customers without electricity. In Richmond, Virginia, a power failure caused a water system issue, and people were asked to boil water before using it. The city also requested residents to conserve water.
