Severe Snowstorm “Storm Blair” Paralyzes Eastern and Central America

Nahid Hossain, USA#

A devastating snowstorm has wreaked havoc across eastern and central America, bringing life to a standstill with bone-chilling cold and relentless snowfall. Dubbed “Storm Blair,” this deadly snowstorm has already claimed the lives of five people. Over the past decade, Americans have not witnessed such a catastrophic display of nature.

Each winter, several eastern states of the U.S. are covered in snow, but this time, the severity is unprecedented. Everywhere you look, there is only snow—trees, roads, vehicles—all blanketed under thick layers of white. Along with the heavy snowfall, intense cold waves are sweeping across the region. The weather office has issued warnings that temperatures are expected to plunge even further.

The authorities have declared a state of emergency in seven states: Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Arkansas. These areas are buried under thick layers of snow, with temperatures well below freezing. Weather forecasts had already predicted such extreme conditions, which have now materialized.

Since last Sunday, the snowstorm has intensified, bringing with it chilling polar winds that have battered eastern and central states. This polar vortex, directly descending from the Arctic, has forced 60 million people indoors. According to meteorologists, some regions of the U.S. may remain buried under snow for at least a week.

The scene is nearly the same everywhere: deserted, snow-covered streets with thick layers of ice. According to the weather office, relief from the freezing winds and snowfall is not expected anytime soon.

In Washington, D.C., snowfall has reached 13 to 23 centimeters, while nearby Maryland and Virginia have recorded up to 30 centimeters. Kansas has seen snowfall as deep as 45 centimeters, a level not witnessed by its residents in 32 years. In northern Missouri, parts of the state are buried under 36 centimeters of snow.

This adverse weather has disrupted public services as expected. Massive power outages have left many areas in darkness. Air travel has also been severely affected, with nearly 1,500 flights canceled and 800 flights delayed due to the snowstorm, leaving passengers stranded.

Authorities have warned that the harsh weather will make life difficult for ordinary people as long as the snowstorm persists. Residents have been advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. Schools in Virginia, Maryland, Indiana, and Kentucky were closed on Monday due to the extreme conditions.

People have been cautioned to wear multiple layers of warm clothing when venturing outside. Experts recommend using mittens under gloves and wearing loose, woolen coats to avoid frostbite. Even 15 minutes outside can result in frostbite, according to weather specialists.

Kansas is among the worst-hit states, with the polar vortex taking several lives. In Wichita, Kansas, an SUV lost control and plunged into a ditch, killing two people. A truck driver lost his life after his vehicle got stuck in the snow. In Wakefield, Virginia, a speeding car collided with a tree, claiming another life. Several other states, including Indiana, Kentucky, and Virginia, reported hundreds of accidents and stranded vehicles.

Between Saturday morning and Monday morning, Kansas alone recorded over 200 snowstorm-related road accidents. In Cincinnati and northern Kentucky, snowfall reached 20 centimeters on Sunday, according to media reports.

In states like Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, West Virginia, Illinois, and Missouri, snow-laden trees fell onto power lines, blocking roads and leaving 250,000 residents without electricity by early Monday.

The polar vortex, which usually remains confined to the Arctic, has extended southward, bringing extreme cold to vast regions of America, Europe, and Asia.

Meteorologists have offered some hope, predicting that the intensity of the snowstorm may subside by the end of the week. However, officials in the affected states believe it could take weeks to clear the accumulated snow.#