Winter Storm Unleashes Snow and Bitter Cold Across the Eastern U.S.
A relentless winter storm has blanketed several states in the central and southeastern regions of the country with heavy snowfall, leaving behind a trail of icy roads and bitterly cold temperatures.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Thursday morning forecast, indicating that the storm was gradually moving northeastward away from the Mid-Atlantic coast. However, before it departed, it had already dumped significant amounts of snow on Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
The NWS predicted that accumulating snowfall would cease across Virginia and North Carolina’s eastern shores, but not before the storm had delivered several inches of the white stuff. Additionally, an upper-level trough preceding the arctic air’s core was expected to bring light snow and snow showers to the central Appalachians and parts of the Mid-Atlantic states on Thursday. The weather service estimated possible accumulations of several inches in eastern West Virginia.
While the snow piled up in the Mid-Atlantic, frigid temperatures descended upon two-thirds of the nation, stretching from Montana to Texas and the Florida Panhandle. As the Arctic air settled into the South, meteorologists anticipated record-breaking low temperatures throughout the latter half of the week.
The extreme weather conditions prompted school districts across the eastern U.S., extending as far west as Oklahoma, to cancel in-person classes or shift to virtual learning. These decisions were made in light of hazardous travel conditions and dangerously low temperatures.
According to the USA TODAY snowfall accumulation map, significant snowfall has accumulated in the affected areas:
- Virginia: 1-6 inches
- North Carolina: 1-4 inches
- West Virginia: 2-8 inches
- Kentucky: 1-6 inches
- Tennessee: 1-5 inches
The storm’s impact has been widespread and disruptive:
- Travel has become hazardous due to icy roads and reduced visibility.
- Power outages have been reported in some areas, affecting thousands of households.
- Emergency responders are working tirelessly to assist those affected by the storm.
Residents are urged to take precautions during this severe weather event:
- Stay indoors if possible.
- If travel is essential, exercise extreme caution on the roads.
- Be aware of the potential for power outages and have an emergency plan in place.
- Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors to ensure their safety.
As the storm moves away, a warming trend is expected to set in by the weekend, providing some relief from the bitter cold and treacherous conditions. However, residents should remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities and emergency responders.
