Winter Storm Makes Travel Dangerous Across Nation
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A major winter blast of snow, ice, wind and plunging temperatures in the U.S. stirred dangerous travel conditions from central and southern states all the way to the East Coast early Monday, prompting schools and government offices in several states to close.
Over the weekend, at least 600 motorists were stranded in Missouri, authorities said. Hundreds of car accidents were reported in Virginia, Indiana, Kansas and Kentucky.
The snowy weather in Washington forced a slight change in the travel plans for President Joe Biden.
Biden is heading to New Orleans on Jan. 6 to help console victims of the New Year’s Day truck attack.
The snowfall reports are rolling in this morning. We see some 18 inch reports near I-70 in Kansas and FEET of snow in upstate New York!
How much snow did your location get? Explore the data here: https://t.co/01Q0KzzGTR pic.twitter.com/BRVSEKk7r1 — National Weather Service (@NWS) January 6, 2025
Biden will drive to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland to board Air Force One for the flight. He typically flies directly to the base aboard the Marine One helicopter.
Biden and his team are closely monitoring the severe winter weather, the White House said in a statement.
White House spokesperson Jeremy Edwards said Biden has directed senior White House Officials to be in close touch with their state and local counterparts in the affected areas. Support will be offered as needed.
“We want to encourage all Americans affected by this weather to take it seriously, continue to monitor forecasts, and heed the warnings of local officials," Edwards said.
In Texas, the state’s independent grid operator issued a weather warning for residents to be aware of cold temperatures.
Forecasts show major cities like Houston hitting below 30 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the week. Grid conditions are expected to remain normal despite the higher demand for electricity and experts don’t foresee any major problems to occur.
VDOT needs motorists to stay off the roads throughout Monday. Having fewer cars on the road will help to keep everyone safe and allow crews to perform their jobs in a safer and more effective manner.
Read more: https://t.co/CnwmgybXUJ pic.twitter.com/fCPWQwmK4V — VDOT (@VaDOT) January 6, 2025
In Virginia, state police said in a news release they responded to more than 200 crashes between 4 p.m. Jan. 5 and 4 a.m. Jan. 6, although not all were storm related.
Several accidents included injuries, while one was fatal. A 32-year-old man died around midnight in Wakefield, which is south of Richmond, after his truck ran off the road and struck a tree. Police said he was driving too fast for roadway conditions and wasn’t wearing a seat belt, while alcohol appears to be a factor.
Our airport winter operations teams are working hard to clear everything from public roadways, sidewalks, runways, and all connecting parts of the airfield. Check out their great work! pic.twitter.com/m00nJVtdd2 — CVG Airport (@CVGairport) January 6, 2025
A record 8 inches of snow fell Jan. 5 at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, leading to dozens of flight cancellations that lingered into Jan. 6.
A few more inches of snow are expected across the Cincinnati area, where car and truck crashes in the morning shut down at least two major routes leading into downtown.
A Kentucky State Police trooper is recovering at home after his police cruiser was rear-ended by another vehicle while he responded to a collision on Interstate 65 in southcentral Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear sai .
Beshear also urged residents to stay off the roads as highway crews continued to clear roadways.
Storm Update:
Snow has transitioned to ice across the commonwealth, bringing power outages and more hazardous road conditions. Transportation crews are working hard to clear roads for utility crews and emergency travel. Please stay safe at home. https://t.co/zPNIdLtr51 — Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) January 5, 2025
“This is a significant snow and ice event, so the roadways are still dangerous,” the governor said. “You might be able to see the pavement but that doesn’t mean that it’s not slick. A half an inch of ice is very hard to treat, especially when it coats everything.”
Kentucky State Police dispatchers reported more than 170 vehicle accidents and over 280 stranded motorists who were helped, he said.
School closings are widespread. Districts in Indiana, Virginia and Kentucky began announcing cancellations and delays on Jan. 5. Classes also have been canceled in Maryland, where Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency and announced the state government would be closed Jan. 6.
“Keeping Marylanders safe is our top priority. Please stay off the roads during this storm. Prepare your home and family and charge your communications devices in case you lose power,” Moore said in a statement.
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Marion County Public Health Department offices in Indianapolis were closed due to poor weather. All clinics and walk-in services operated by the health department also are closed. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the Indianapolis area, with snow possible, a high temperature near 28 degrees Fahrenheit and wind gusts as high as 32 mph.
An essential travel watch due to snow was declared for Wayne County, Richmond and Centerville, all in eastern Indiana. Only essential travel, like driving to and from work or school, essential medical care, and for supplies or shelter, will be permitted on county roads under the declaration, according to the county. Parking on all county roads and their right-of-way is prohibited.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb activated the state’s National Guard to assist state and local responders with support during the winter storm.
