Winter Storm Brings Snow, Ice, and Travel Disruptions Across the US
### Severe Weather Conditions
A powerful winter storm swept across the United States early Monday, bringing snow, ice, strong winds, and freezing temperatures from the central states to the East Coast. This extreme weather led to dangerous travel conditions and caused schools and government offices in multiple states to shut down.
The weather will also be affecting airports, roads to airports, and flight schedules for many airlines. Although South Florida airports close to the Caribbean, like Miami, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale, are unlikely to be directly affected, the feeder flights that bring in passengers for cruises and connections to the islands may be interrupted or delayed.
### Flight Cancellations and Road Closures
More than 1,300 flights have been cancelled this morning due to heavy snowfall, with at least three inches of snow accumulating at Washington DC’s Ronald Reagan National Airport. Snow and ice covered roads in Kansas, western Nebraska, and Indiana. Indiana’s National Guard was called in to help drivers stranded on the highways. Up to 20 centimeters of snow was predicted, with winds reaching speeds of 72 kph.
### Storm Warnings and Emergency Declarations
The National Weather Service issued storm warnings stretching from Kansas and Missouri to New Jersey, warning that some areas could see the heaviest snowfall in a decade. The storm was caused by the polar vortex, a mass of frigid air usually found around the North Pole, which sometimes moves south. Studies link a warming Arctic to more frequent polar vortex shifts.
### School Closures and Emergency Preparations
Schools across Indiana, Virginia, Kentucky, and Maryland have canceled classes. Kentucky’s largest school district, Jefferson County, called off school and activities for nearly 100,000 students. Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency, urging people to stay off the roads and prepare for possible power outages.
**Conclusion**
The severe winter storm has brought significant disruptions to the US, with widespread flight cancellations, road closures, and school closures. The polar vortex, a mass of frigid air from the North Pole, is the cause of the extreme weather. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.
**FAQs**
* What is the cause of the extreme weather?
The polar vortex, a mass of frigid air usually found around the North Pole, is the cause of the extreme weather.
* Which states are affected by the storm?
Multiple states, including Indiana, Virginia, Kentucky, and Maryland, are affected by the storm.
* What is the impact on flights?
Over 1,300 flights have been cancelled, and flight schedules for many airlines may be affected.
* What is the impact on roads?
Roads in Kansas, western Nebraska, and Indiana are covered in snow and ice, and drivers are advised to exercise caution.
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