Winter storm Blair hits US: Five dead, power outages, travel chaos reported across multiple states

States of emergency declared

Seven states—Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Arkansas—have declared emergencies in response to the storm’s devastating impact.

Authorities are scrambling to manage widespread power outages, treacherous roads, and travel disruptions caused by the polar vortex, an icy cold air mass that usually remains near the North Pole but has dipped into the US.

Travel and power disruptions

The storm has wreaked havoc on transportation networks, with more than 2,000 flights cancelled and around 6,500 delays reported nationwide. Road travel remains hazardous in many areas, with authorities urging residents to stay home.

Power outages have affected over 250,000 households as of Monday afternoon, with many residents bracing for continued freezing conditions. Snowfall is forecast to persist along the East Coast into the night, compounding the challenges.

Extent of the storm and forecast

The storm has delivered heavy snowfall across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, with accumulations of 5-9 inches (13-23 cm) in the capital and up to a foot in some surrounding areas.

The East Coast is expected to experience continued snowfall, while Arctic air keeps temperatures icy across much of the country for weeks to come, according to meteorologists.

Scenes from Washington DC

Despite the severe weather, some Washington DC residents found moments of joy amid the chaos. Hundreds gathered near the Washington Monument for a snowball fight, a tradition that has been celebrated for 15 years.

“Just having fun,” one local man told the BBC, sharing his excitement at experiencing his first snowball fight.

Meanwhile, former US Olympic skier Clare Egan was spotted cross-country skiing on the National Mall. “I thought my skiing days were maybe behind me,” she told the Associated Press.

Schools and other disruptions

Children in many states had an unexpected snow day on Monday, with schools from Maryland to Kansas cancelling classes.

Many districts had been set to resume after the Christmas and Hanukkah holidays but instead opted for closures due to the treacherous conditions.

Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri have declared states of emergency as the storm brings dangerous travel conditions, with nearly 1,500 flights cancelled and thousands more delayed. (Photo: AP)

Where is the storm headed

Winter Storm Blair is expected to continue impacting the East Coast overnight, with cold Arctic air maintaining icy conditions across much of the US for several more weeks.

Meteorologists have warned that the polar vortex will keep temperatures dangerously low, heightening the risk of frostbite and other cold-related issues.

Damages and response

The storm’s damages have been extensive, with roads buried in snow, travel brought to a standstill, and power systems overwhelmed.

Emergency crews are working tirelessly to restore power and clear roads, but the scale of the storm has presented significant challenges.

With millions still under weather advisories and warnings, authorities are urging caution. The BBC reports that the storm is one of the strongest to hit the region in recent years, and its impact is likely to linger well into the coming weeks.

(with inputs from BBC)