A major winter blast of snow, ice, wind and plunging temperatures in the United States made travel conditions hazardous from central and southern states to the East Coast early Monday, prompting schools and offices governments in several states to close.
Snow and ice covered major roads in Kansas, western Nebraska and parts of Indiana, where the state’s National Guard was activated to help stranded motorists. At least 20 centimeters of snow were expected, accompanied by gusts of up to 72 km/h.
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings from Kansas and Missouri to New Jersey.
“For locations in this region receiving the highest snow totals, this could be the heaviest snowfall in at least a decade,” the weather service said.
Gary Wright wore a parka as he and his husband ripped off the thick ice covering his SUV in the slippery parking lot of a Missouri apartment. Wright said he would be working remotely on Monday, but wanted to remove his vehicle as an excuse to spend some time in the snow. He’s also looking for boots for their two older dogs that “won’t move at all” when their paws hit the cold ground.
The polar vortex of ultracold air generally orbits the North Pole. People in the United States, Europe, and Asia experience intense cold as the vortex escapes and plunges south.
Studies show that rapid warming in the Arctic is partly responsible for the increasing frequency of the polar vortex extending its icy grip.
Courses canceled
School closures are expected to be widespread on Monday. Districts in Indiana, Virginia and Kentucky began announcing cancellations and delays Sunday afternoon. Public schools in Jefferson County, Kentucky, have canceled classes, extracurricular activities and sports for their nearly 100,000 students.
Classes were also canceled in Maryland, where Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency Sunday and announced the state government would be shut down Monday.
“Keeping Marylanders safe is our top priority. Please stay off the roads during this storm. Prepare your home and family and charge your communications devices in the event of a power outage,” Moore said in a statement.