A significant winter storm system brought heavy snow, ice, strong winds, and plummeting temperatures across the United States, causing hazardous travel conditions from central and southern states to the East Coast early on Monday. As a result of the severe weather, authorities in several states decided to close schools and government offices as a precautionary measure.
Over the weekend, more than 600 motorists found themselves stranded in Missouri, according to officials. Multiple car accidents were reported in Virginia, Indiana, Kansas, and Kentucky.
Here are the latest updates:
Virginia Witnesses Over 200 Vehicle Crashes in a 12-hour Span
Virginia state police disclosed in a news release that they responded to over 200 crashes from 4 p.m. on Sunday to 4 a.m. on Monday, though not all incidents were directly linked to the storm. Several of these accidents resulted in injuries, with one tragically proving fatal. A 32-year-old man lost his life near midnight in Wakefield, located south of Richmond, after his truck veered off the road and collided with a tree. Authorities indicated that the driver was traveling at an excessive speed given the road conditions and was not wearing a seat belt. Alcohol consumption is suspected to have played a role in the accident.
Cincinnati Airport Records Unprecedented Snowfall
On Sunday, a record-breaking 8 inches of snowfall blanketed the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, leading to numerous flight cancellations that spilled over into Monday. Additional snowfall was anticipated in the Cincinnati region on Monday, resulting in several motor vehicle crashes that temporarily shut down at least two major routes leading into downtown.
School Closures Amid Escalating Storm Conditions
School closures were anticipated to be widespread on Monday, with districts in Indiana, Virginia, and Kentucky beginning to announce cancellations and delays as early as Sunday afternoon. In Kentucky, Jefferson County Public Schools made the decision to cancel classes, extracurricular activities, and athletics for its nearly 100,000 students. Similarly, classes were called off in Maryland, where Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency on Sunday and announced the closure of state government operations on Monday.
In a statement, Governor Moore emphasized, “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.”
The impacts of the winter storm system extended beyond road conditions, affecting air travel, emergency services, and daily routines for many residents in the affected regions. As the inclement weather persisted, authorities urged caution and preparedness among citizens to ensure their safety and well-being.
