A significant winter storm is currently blanketing large portions of the Eastern United States, bringing heavy snowfall and icy conditions. Starting overnight Sunday, January 6, snow began to accumulate across areas such as Washington D.C. and various parts of Virginia, prompting authorities to issue multiple winter storm warnings.
According to FOX 5 Chief Meteorologist Tucker Barnes, the heaviest snowfall early Monday morning was observed across D.C. and parts of Southern Virginia, with expectancies of more snow throughout the day. Reports indicated snowfall totals ranging from two to eight inches, with Stafford, VA leading the measurements at eight inches. Fairfax, VA reported six inches, and areas like Arlington, VA, and Crofton, MD, saw nearly five inches of snow. At major regional airports, totals were recorded as follows: Dulles International Airport at 4.1 inches, Reagan National Airport at 4.7 inches, and Baltimore/Thurgood Marshall Airport at 3.8 inches.
This snowfall is just the beginning, as additional accumulations are expected throughout the day. The FOX 5 Weather Team anticipates another two to six inches of snow across different locales, with Salisbury expected to receive up to 5.8 inches more by the evening. Snowfall rates of one to three inches per hour could exacerbate conditions until late morning, with intermittent precipitation continuing.
On the other hand, Kentucky is grappling with its fair share of the storm’s wrath, as thousands are left without power. The National Weather Service indicated over 87,000 Kentuckians lost power due to the storm, which included snow and freezing rain, with many facing the prospect of prolonged outages. By the morning of January 6, there were significant outages reported across Indiana and Virginia as well, with Lexington seeing its outages double within hours. Kentucky Utilities reported more than 24,000 customers affected by outages, putting pressure on their restoration teams as people sought information on service restoration.
WKYT Chief Meteorologist Chris Bailey noted, "If you’ve lost power at your home or business…we’ve rounded up some information," directing residents to available resources and outage maps for assistance. The weather is expected to worsen before it improves, with Lexington facing additional snow accumulation and ice deposits through the day.
Meanwhile, the storm's effects were being felt as far as the Kansas City area, where ten inches of snow were reported at the KSHB 41 studios. Across the region, snow accumulations varied, with the National Weather Service documenting accumulations as high as 14 inches in Atchison, Kansas. Local residents confirmed the heavy snowfall, which noticeably disrupted daily activities and travel.
The impact didn’t stop there, as Western Pennsylvania was put on notice with severe weather alerts issued across the region. Total accumulations were projected up to eight inches south of I-70, especially with higher snowfall predicted for Preston and Garrett counties. The KDKA Weather Team shared insights about snowfall patterns, advising caution for residents commuting through the area during peak snowfall hours.
Much of this storm system is leaving behind frigid temperatures alongside the snowfall. A sharp temperature drop is anticipated once the storm moves through, with various areas expected to experience single-digit lows as the week progresses. Weather experts are monitoring for possible black ice forming overnight, leading to hazardous conditions.
Overall, the major winter storm impacting the Eastern U.S. has led to substantial snowfall, travel delays, and power outages. Local authorities are urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions as more winter weather conditions are expected this week.
Communities remain on high alert as weather forecasts continue to evolve, ensuring safety and preparedness are prioritized amid the challenging winter conditions.