A powerful winter storm has gripped the mid-Atlantic, causing widespread disruptions and bringing the region to a standstill. As of Monday, over 50 million Americans remain under winter weather alerts, with record snowfall and freezing rain wreaking havoc from Kentucky to Washington, D.C.
The storm has already canceled more than 2,000 flights nationwide, with Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport being the hardest hit. Schools in major cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and D.C. are closed, and states of emergency have been declared in Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia. Federal offices in the capital are also shut down, leaving snowplows to focus on clearing priority routes.
In Washington, D.C., snowfall totals have reached 5 to 6 inches, with more expected by Monday evening. Transportation officials, equipped with nearly 250 snowplows, have urged residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. “Our priority is to ensure safe passage for emergency services and Congress members,” said Sharon Kershbaum, Director of the D.C. Transportation Department.
Amid the chaos, locals found a moment of joy in the rare snow day. Hundreds gathered at Meridian Hill Park for a community snowball fight, bringing together people of all ages. “When do adults get to have this kind of fun?” asked a D.C. teacher, Tiik Pollet.
The storm has left a trail of destruction in its wake. Heavy snowfall in the Midwest caused nine fatalities and power outages in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. Snowfall totals exceeded a foot in parts of Kansas and Missouri, while Cincinnati saw over 10 inches.
As the storm moves east, federal agencies and President Biden’s administration continue to monitor the situation closely. Residents are advised to stay informed, stay indoors, and prepare for additional disruptions as this record-breaking storm progresses.
