A powerful winter storm swept across large portions of the United States, from Kansas to New Jersey, bringing heavy snow, ice, strong winds, and Arctic-like temperatures. The storm prompted severe weather warnings, advisories, and watches in more than a dozen states, affecting approximately 60 million people as of Sunday night.

Governors in Kansas, Kentucky, Arkansas, West Virginia, and Virginia declared states of emergency as the storm disrupted transportation, strained emergency services, and forced school closures across the region.

Heaviest Snowfall in a Decade

The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that areas between central Kansas and Indiana, especially along and north of Interstate 70, would see significant snowfall. The region is expected to receive 8 inches (20 cm) or more of snow, marking the "heaviest snowfall in a decade." Blizzard conditions were reported in Kansas and Missouri, with wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph (72 kph).

In New Jersey, storm warnings remain in effect for Monday and Tuesday, as authorities brace for further disruptions.

Tornado Warnings in Southern States

Meanwhile, southern states such as Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas faced tornado watches, with similar warnings earlier issued for Mississippi. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear urged residents to stay indoors after multiple vehicle crashes were reported in the state.

Virginia police recorded at least 135 crashes as the storm entered the state on Sunday. Though a handful of injuries were reported, no fatalities were confirmed. Missouri authorities responded to nearly 600 stranded vehicles and 285 crashes over the weekend.

Travel Chaos and School Closures

The severe weather wreaked havoc on travel plans, with air traffic monitoring site FlightAware reporting nearly 2,200 flight cancellations and more than 25,000 delays. Treacherous road conditions extended to cities like Cincinnati, where highways became dangerous for drivers.

Many schools across affected states, including public schools in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Washington, and Philadelphia, announced closures for Monday. Washington, D.C., remains in the storm's path, with significant snow and ice expected as the new Congress meets to confirm Donald Trump's electoral victory.

Lingering Icy Temperatures

Though the storm is projected to move offshore soon, the NWS predicts icy temperatures will persist until Tuesday, continuing to pose challenges for residents and emergency responders. Authorities are urging caution and advising residents to stay indoors unless travel is absolutely necessary.