Large Parts of US Hit By Severe Winter Storm: Over 60 Million People Under Alert, Thousands of Flights Affected

Multiple states brace for heavy snow, freezing rain, and power outages as the first major storm of the year wreaks havoc across the central and eastern United States.

January 6, 2025: Washington, United States:
The United States is grappling with the first major winter storm of 2025, affecting over 60 million Americans across a dozen states from Kansas to New Jersey. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for affected regions, while areas in the US South face threats of tornadoes and severe cold weather.

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Severe Impact Across States

Gusty winds and blizzard conditions have hit Kansas and Missouri, while areas further east brace for freezing rain, sleet, and snow. The storm has already led to 2,200 flight cancellations and over 25,000 delays, according to FlightAware.

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In Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear urged residents to “please stay home” after multiple vehicle crashes closed key highways. Similarly, governors in Missouri and Virginia have declared a state of emergency as the storm intensified.

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Travel Woes and Freezing Conditions

Snow accumulation could reach up to 10 inches in areas surrounding Washington, D.C., by Monday morning, prompting warnings of hazardous travel and likely school and office closures. The Ohio Valley and Appalachian Mountains are also expected to face severe weather impacts.

Storm chaser Brian Emfinger described roads in Kansas City as a “skating rink”, while videos from the Weather Channel showed jackknifed tractor-trailers and cars struggling on icy highways.

Power Outage Threats

One of the most significant concerns remains the potential for widespread power outages. With wind gusts and ice accumulation up to 0.5 inches, the NWS warns of fallen trees and power lines, leaving millions without electricity amid plummeting temperatures.

Bitter Cold and Ongoing Emergency Measures

As the jet stream dips south, temperatures are forecasted to fall to sub-zero levels across many regions, including areas near the Gulf Coast. The combination of freezing rain, sleet, and high winds poses additional hazards.

The storm comes just ahead of critical political events, with lawmakers set to meet in Washington, D.C., for the January 6 certification session. House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized that the session “cannot be delayed, blizzard or not.”

Governors Issue Emergency Declarations

Governors of Kentucky, Missouri, and Virginia have declared a state of emergency, urging citizens to limit travel and stay indoors. Governor Andy Beshear expressed concerns about prolonged power outages and urged preparedness.

As the storm continues to move eastward, authorities are focused on minimizing disruptions and ensuring public safety amid the challenging conditions.

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US Winter Storm 2025, Weather Alert USA, Flight Cancellations Storm, State of Emergency US, Power Outages USA, Snowstorm USA, Travel Warnings USA