Winter Storm Sweeps Across US, Bringing Chaos and Closures

A massive winter storm swept through the US midsection, bringing over six inches of snow and powerful winds, causing whiteout conditions and leading to the closure of highways, schools, and government offices across several states on Tuesday. The storm stretched from southeastern Colorado to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, affecting regions in western Kansas, eastern Nebraska, parts of Iowa, northern Missouri, and northwestern Illinois with up to 12 inches of snow, as forecasted by officials. The storm led to the closure of a significant section of Interstate 80 in central Nebraska, as well as the shutdown of Interstate 70 from Russell in Kansas to the Colorado border due to hazardous travel conditions.

Bob Oravec from the National Weather Service in College Park, Maryland noted that Athol, Kansas received nearly 8 inches of snow, with a potential additional 3-5 inches expected overnight, along with winds gusting up to 40 mph. Central Nebraska witnessed whiteout conditions that closed the long stretch of the highway, causing several vehicles to slide off. Federal courts in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska were closed, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers took measures to increase water flow at a Missouri River dam to prevent ice jams.

Wisconsin was placed under a winter storm warning, anticipating up to 9 inches of snow and 40 mph winds. Northwestern Illinois was also under a winter storm warning, with Chicago and Gary, Indiana under winter storm advisories. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressed the administration's close monitoring of the weather and urged all Americans to do the same. "We are closely monitoring the weather, and we encourage all Americans to do the same," said Jean-Pierre. In the South, the storm led to reports of radar-confirmed tornadoes and high winds, resulting in three deaths and storm-related injuries in Florida. Police also reported storm-related injuries in Florida, with part of Panama City Beach showing significant damage.

The storm is expected to impact the Pacific Northwest and extend into the northern Rockies, with blizzard warnings issued for a large areas in Washington and Oregon. The ongoing storm has also affected campaigning activities for Iowa's January 15 precinct caucuses, with snowfall followed by frigid temperatures that could drop below zero degrees, leading to the cancellation of multiple appearances by Donald Trump’s campaign.