Powerful Storm Hits U.S., Bringing Sleet, Snow, and Freezing Rain. news.

 Powerful Storm Hits U.S., Bringing Sleet, Snow, and Freezing Rain

A surge of "brutally cold" air is forecast to follow the storm, impacting a dozen states from eastern Colorado to Maryland.

A Powerful Winter Storm Sweeps Across the U.S., Threatening Widespread Disruptions

A massive storm moving across the country toward the Mid-Atlantic unleashed a wintry mix of sleet, snow, and freezing rain over a vast area, with the Weather Prediction Center warning of “significant disruptions” to daily life and travel on Sunday and Monday.

On Saturday, roads across Kansas were coated in ice, and the storm's effects are projected to stretch more than 1,500 miles, impacting a dozen states from eastern Colorado to Maryland and Delaware.

Approximately 50 million people are expected to face winter weather advisories, watches, and warnings during the storm's course. The National Weather Service predicts power outages, downed trees, and major travel disruptions on roads and at airports.

In extreme cases, blizzard conditions and whiteouts could render roads impassable and leave drivers stranded.

Several states in the storm’s path — including Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Virginia — have declared states of emergency, while Maryland issued a state of preparedness to bolster response efforts. In Indiana, Governor Eric Holcomb plans to deploy the National Guard to assist with highway rescues, according to Jane Jankowski, his deputy chief of staff.

This storm coincides with arctic air pouring into the U.S. from Canada. As the system moves offshore on Monday, "brutally cold" air will settle in its wake, said Bob Oravec, a meteorologist with the Weather Prediction Center.

By Tuesday morning, snow and ice are expected to blanket roads in many areas, including Washington, D.C., where preparations are underway for a funeral procession honoring former President Jimmy Carter.

Decade-High Snowfall Expected in Parts of Kansas and Missouri

Nearly four million people across Kansas and Missouri were under a blizzard warning early Sunday, set to remain in effect until 3 a.m. Monday. Some areas are predicted to see their heaviest snowfall in 10 years.

Forecasters anticipate wind gusts reaching up to 40 miles per hour, along with snow accumulations of 8 to 12 inches. Blizzard warnings are issued when heavy snowfall is accompanied by sustained winds of at least 35 miles per hour for three hours or more.

Low-Pressure System Brings Ice and Chaos to Kansas and Missouri

As a low-pressure system swept through Kansas and Missouri overnight, icy conditions led to dozens of highway crashes.

“The snow hasn’t arrived yet, but the ice is building up and already causing difficulties,” said Trooper Ben Gardner of the Kansas Highway Patrol in a social media video. “Stay home, especially tomorrow. The snow’s going to arrive, and it’s going to be brutal.”

In northern Kansas, authorities shut down a 100-mile stretch of Interstate 70 overnight. Snowplows were deployed to clear roads, according to Kim Stich, spokesperson for the Kansas Department of Transportation.

In Kansas City, Kan., businesses were also affected. Brock Graham, manager of the Chateau Avalon Hotel Spa and d’Nile Lounge, said most employees had been sent home for the weekend due to the storm. The boutique hotel, located near Interstate 70, faced a wave of cancellations and expected only a handful of guests. Employees who stayed to work planned to remain on-site until Monday.

“It’s going to be difficult or nearly impossible to drive,” Graham said, noting that nearby grocery store shelves were nearly empty. “I think everyone in the area is preparing.”

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