A powerful snowstorm swept through the Mid-Atlantic states on Tuesday, leading to school closures, dangerous road conditions, and concerns about power outages.
Heavy Snow and Ice Accumulation
Parts of Virginia and West Virginia were expected to see up to 10 inches (25 cm) of snow, while some areas faced ice buildups of up to half an inch (1.3 cm). The National Weather Service warned that heavy ice could bring down trees and power lines.
The storm started with snow and sleet in Virginia and North Carolina early in the day, later turning into freezing rain. Appalachian Power, which provides electricity to West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee, called in 700 additional workers to help handle outages.
The Virginia National Guard deployed about 65 soldiers along major highways, with another 20 in support roles. Troops with chainsaws were on standby to clear blocked roads, and Black Hawk helicopters were ready for rescue missions.
Widespread Impact Across Multiple States
Winter storm warnings stretched from Kentucky to southern New Jersey. Meteorologists predicted the snow and ice mix would turn to rain by Wednesday afternoon as temperatures rose.
Meanwhile, another storm was set to hit the Midwest, bringing heavy snow from Kansas to the Great Lakes. In response, the Kansas Legislature canceled Wednesday meetings, and the governor closed state offices in Topeka.
Dangerous Travel Conditions
In Virginia, Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency as icy roads caused dozens of accidents, with at least four injuries reported. State police urged people to avoid driving. Schools and government offices closed for the day, while federal workers in Washington, D.C., were advised to leave early.
Southern West Virginia also saw multiple crashes, leading to temporary highway closures. Tow truck services responded to numerous stranded vehicles, especially trucks stuck in icy conditions.
A Beautiful Yet Risky Snowfall
Some residents appreciated the snowfall’s beauty. Paige Williams, a bookstore owner in Lexington, Virginia, described it as “fluffy snow that sticks to everything, making it look like a winter wonderland.” However, she closed her store due to nearly 9 inches (23 cm) of snow and hoped to reopen the next day.
With freezing rain expected overnight, road conditions could either improve or worsen, depending on temperatures.
Freezing Temperatures and Homelessness Crisis
An Arctic air mass covered much of the U.S., bringing dangerously low temperatures. In Detroit, two children tragically died from exposure in a van, where their family may have been living.
In Butte, Montana, temperatures hit -31°F (-35°C), forcing shelters to operate beyond capacity. Volunteers handed out winter gear to the homeless to prevent hypothermia. Similarly, in North Dakota, a shelter in Minot was completely full as temperatures dropped to -17°F (-27°C).
In Portland, Oregon, officials extended a state of emergency through Thursday, with multiple shelters opening to help people escape the cold.
More Storms on the Way
Another major weather event is expected to hit California on Thursday. Meteorologists predict an “atmospheric river” will bring heavy rain to coastal and valley areas, along with heavy snowfall in the Sierra Nevada mountains through Saturday.
As winter storms continue, authorities urge residents to stay safe, avoid unnecessary travel, and prepare for power outages.
