If you thought winter was winding down, think again. A brutal winter storm just buried parts of the Midwest under piles of snow and sheets of ice, and now it’s hammering the Northeast, making travel a complete nightmare. Flights are grounded, roads are dangerously slick, and power outages are becoming a real concern. And to make matters worse? Another storm is right behind it.
Midwest Crippled by Snow and Ice
The storm first took aim at the Midwest, dumping over 11 inches of snow in Iowa, 10 inches in Illinois, and nearly 8 inches in Wisconsin. Major cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Milwaukee were hit hard, with highways turning into ice rinks and traffic at a standstill.
Emergency crews have been working non-stop to clear roads and respond to hundreds of accidents, many caused by whiteout conditions and black ice. Sadly, in Missouri, a tragic crash took the life of a 3-year-old girl, reminding everyone just how dangerous these storms can be.
Northeast Wakes Up to a Dangerous Commute
Now, the storm is wreaking havoc on the Northeast. Millions of commuters are dealing with snow, sleet, and freezing rain, turning roads into a slippery mess. In upstate New York, areas near Albany are seeing light snow, but the Adirondacks and parts of Vermont could get hit with up to four inches.
Already, multiple crashes have been reported on I-87 north of Albany, and local officials are warning people to stay off the roads if possible. The ice buildup could also lead to power outages, as trees and power lines buckle under the weight. Schools in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Connecticut have announced delays or closures due to the hazardous conditions.
Flights Canceled, Travel in Chaos
Flying? You might want to check your status before heading to the airport. Hundreds of flights have been canceled or delayed at major hubs like Chicago O’Hare, Boston Logan, and New York’s JFK.
And it’s not just delays—a plane in St. Louis slid off the taxiway due to the icy conditions. Thankfully, no one was injured, but it’s another reminder of how bad this storm really is.
The South Wasn’t Spared Either
When the cold front and warm Gulf air combined, severe weather even reached the South. The extensive damage was exacerbated by the issuance of tornado warnings and the verified landing of at least one tornado.
There’s Going to Be Another Big Storm
The bad news is that there is yet more to come. In just a few days, the Midwest, Northeast, and portions of the South are likely to experience even more snow, ice, and severe weather due to the formation of another storm system.
Now is the perfect opportunity to stock up on necessities if you haven’t already. Be prepared for whatever happens next, remain warm, and stay safe!