Freezing temperatures and snow from Winter Storm Blair have brought weather warnings for around 60 million Americans, with multiple schools closed due to the conditions.
The storm was forecasted to start Friday and drop snow in the Midwest over the weekend before exiting off the East Coast on Monday, hitting Washington D.C. on the same day President-elect Donald Trump is set to meet U.S. Congress.
What We Know
Snow and ice blanketed major roads across Kansas, western Nebraska and parts of Indiana, where the state's National Guard was activated to help stranded motorists.
At least 8 inches of snow was expected, along with gusting winds up to 45 mph.
The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings from Kansas and Missouri all the way to New Jersey.
Schools have been closed down across several states, and some local governments have declared states of emergency.
Missouri
In Missouri, heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions have prompted numerous school districts to cancel classes.
The National Weather Service forecasted that parts of central and northeast Missouri would receive 10 to 14 inches of snow, with the heaviest build-up being north of Interstate 70.
Counties with school closures include Jackson and Vinton Counties, after Jackson County Sheriff Tedd E. Frazier declared a Level 3 Snow Emergency due to road conditions on Sunday evening, as did Vinton County Sheriff Ryan C. Cain.
In Boone County, schools are closed for January 6 due to the weather conditions, and schools have also been closed for Monday in St. Louis County.
Kansas
Kansas is experiencing blizzard conditions, with major highways like Interstate 70 closed due to heavy snow and ice.
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings across the state, with expected snowfall totals varying in different regions between 4 to 11 inches.
In Shawnee County, Topeka Public Schools have closed school for Monday, citing the hazardous weather conditions.
Wichita Public Schools have closed in Sedgwick County due to the weather, and in Douglas County, Lawrence Public Schools also announced closures.
Indiana
Indiana is facing heavy snowfall, after the National Weather Service predicted that all of central Indiana could receive 6 six inches of snow or more, while the southern part of the state could get 4 inches.
In Marion County, Indianapolis Public Schools have closed due to the weather and travel conditions, according to local news channel Wish TV, as have Perry Township Schools, after announcing on Instagram that they would be moving classes online for Monday.
According to news outlet Courier & Press, Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, MSD of Mount Vernon, Henderson County Schools and Webster County Schools were already out on Monday for staff development days, not the weather.
Kentucky
Kentucky is experiencing significant snowfall, with Louisville recording over 7 inches.
Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Saturday, and numerous school districts have canceled classes.
The closed schools include Jefferson County Public Schools, affecting nearly 100,000 students.
Oldham County schools announced over the weekend on Facebook that any games or events scheduled for Sunday or Monday have been canceled, but Monday was already a scheduled day off school.
Bullitt County Public Schools have also closed for Monday, as have Shelby County Schools, Spencer County Public Schools, and Greater Clark County Schools due to the weather.
In Fayette County, Fayette County Public Schools have also closed.
West Virginia
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties in the state on Sunday due to the anticipated impacts of Winter Storm Blair.
Schools have been closed across the state, including in Cabell County, Jackson County, Kanawha County, Logan County, Mingo County, Nicholas County and Wayne County.
Virginia
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency, and several school districts preemptively canceled classes.
Classes have been canceled on Monday for schools in counties Amelia, Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Powhatan, Prince George, New Kent, Northumberland and Richmond.
Schools in counties Albemarle, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lancaster and Mecklenburg had planned teacher training days, meaning classes were not scheduled anyway, the news outlet added.
Maryland
Maryland is expecting heavy snowfall. For instance, in Garrett County 6 to 10 inches of snow was predicted by the National Weather Service.
Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency on Sunday, warning that the storm would affect the state between Sunday to Tuesday.
Schools that have closed due to the weather include those in Baltimore City, Cecil County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County and Howard County.
Washington, D.C.
The nation's capital is also bracing for heavy snow and bitter cold as President-elect Trump is set to meet with the U.S. Congress.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson told Fox News on Sunday the weather would not prevent lawmakers from carrying out their duties.
Throughout the district, all public schools have been closed.
What's Next
Residents in the affected areas are advised to monitor local news outlets and official school district communications for the latest updates on closures and weather conditions.
Authorities continue to urge caution and recommend staying off the roads during the storm to ensure safety.
Do you have a story Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
English (US) ·