A powerful winter storm, named Storm Blair, is sweeping across North America, bringing snow, ice, and freezing temperatures to a vast region. Over 60 million Americans are under weather alerts as the storm intensifies, with more than 30 states affected, from the Midwest to the East Coast.
The storm is being driven by the polar vortex, a cold air mass from the Arctic, causing extreme weather conditions. A state of emergency has been declared in seven US states—Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas, and parts of New Jersey. Canada is also feeling the impact, with much of the country under extreme weather warnings.
Key impact areas:
- Snowfall and ice: Some places have already seen up to a foot of snow (30cm), with Kansas City experiencing its heaviest snow in 32 years, and parts of northern Missouri accumulating up to 14 inches (36cm) of sleet and snow.
- Flight disruptions: Thousands of flights have been delayed or cancelled. More than 1,700 flights were cancelled on Sunday alone, and over 8,300 were delayed. Major airlines like American, Delta, Southwest, and United are waiving change fees due to travel disruptions.
- Road closures and hazardous travel: Blizzard conditions, particularly in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, are causing dangerous travel conditions, with whiteout conditions and impassable roads. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that motorists risk becoming stranded.
- School and office closures: Many schools are closed, and federal offices in Washington DC will shut down due to the storm’s expected impact.
- Extreme cold: Temperatures in the affected regions are forecast to be 12-25°F (7-14°C) below normal, with some areas experiencing the coldest January in the US since 2011.
Canada:
- Snow and wind: The storm’s effects are also being felt in Canada, where temperatures have plummeted, and areas like Ontario are seeing up to 15 inches (38cm) of snow. In Manitoba, wind chills could drop temperatures to -40°C, creating hazardous conditions.
On Sunday evening, severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes were expected to move eastward from Arkansas and Louisiana into Mississippi and Alabama.
Meteorologists warn that the storm could be a “potential disaster,” with many areas experiencing their heaviest snowfall in a decade. As the storm moves toward the East Coast, cities like Washington DC and Philadelphia are preparing for significant snowfall and bitter cold temperatures.
Given the dangerous conditions, the NWS has issued warnings for motorists, urging people to avoid non-essential travel. The storm is expected to ease as it moves eastward, but temperatures will remain well below average for the coming week, continuing to impact daily life and transportation.
