- A powerful winter storm hit the eastern United States on Monday, bringing heavy snow and freezing rain that led to five fatalities and millions facing travel disruptions.
- The storm left around 350,000 people without power across nine states, and more than 1,800 flights were canceled, with thousands more delayed.
- The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasted up to a foot of snow in Washington, where Congress was proceeding with the certification of Donald Trump’s election victory.
- Washington’s normally vibrant neighborhoods were blanketed with snow, and schools were closed as the city rarely faces such extreme winter conditions.
- The storm, which brought blizzard-like conditions to Kansas and Missouri, continued eastward, affecting regions from the central plains to Washington, DC.
- At least five people were killed, including one in Missouri when a truck slid into a pedestrian, and two in Kansas due to a vehicle crash.
- Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear urged residents to stay home as hazardous road conditions and power outages were reported.
- The White House spokesperson confirmed that President Joe Biden was closely monitoring the situation and ready to assist affected states.
- NWS also warned of possible thunderstorms in southeastern states, bringing hail, tornadoes, and further ice accumulation, which could cause prolonged power outages.
- Temperatures are expected to drop below zero Fahrenheit (minus 18 degrees Celsius) in some areas, with strong winds making conditions even more dangerous.
- Freezing rain and sleet could make travel hazardous, bringing down trees and power lines. The Appalachian region, already devastated by a hurricane in September, faces an additional risk.
Governors in Kentucky, Missouri, Virginia, and Maryland have declared states of emergency and urged citizens to remain at home.
