Vermont state offices are closed due to icy conditions and hazardous roads, with essential personnel still working in person; drivers are advised to exercise caution and watch for potential power outages.
A storm is expected to bring freezing rain and icy conditions to parts of Massachusetts overnight Sunday, especially outside of Boston, with temperatures rising into the 30s and 40s during the day. The weather will improve by Monday with milder temperatures and rain, but gusty winds and cold temperatures will return afterward, continuing into the week.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for parts of Michigan and Indiana due to potential freezing rain and icy roads, especially impacting regional travel after Christmas. While the local area will experience above-freezing temperatures and no significant weather issues, nearby regions may see brief freezing rain and colder temperatures, leading to slick roads. The weather will improve on Saturday, but a cold front and snow are expected early next week.
Due to icy conditions caused by recent snow and freezing temperatures, three Montgomery County Public Schools remained closed on Monday, while others operated on a delayed schedule, as the district prioritized safety and continued snow and ice removal efforts.
Philadelphia experienced its first major snowfall of the season with over 8 inches in some areas, followed by dangerously cold and icy conditions due to high winds and below-freezing temperatures, prompting an Enhanced Code Blue advisory and increased shelter efforts.
Icy conditions on Interstate 70 in Missouri left drivers stranded for hours, with some stuck in traffic for over 12 hours due to semitrucks spinning out and becoming stuck. Drivers like Penny Parisoff and Terri Noblin were forced to wait in their cars, with some seeking shelter at a gas station with a Denny's. Lack of information from law enforcement and MoDOT left drivers feeling frustrated, with Parisoff emphasizing the need for better communication during such situations.
A disorganized mix of precipitation is expected in the Hudson Valley on Tuesday, starting as a snow/sleet mix north of I-84 and a rain/snow mix south of I-84, transitioning to wet snow by sunset with on-and-off periods of wet snow and wintry mix into Tuesday night. Icy conditions are possible for Tuesday PM, Tuesday night, and Wednesday AM commutes, with accumulation ranging from a slushy coating to 2 inches, and potential for patchy freezing drizzle and sleet. Keep a close eye on road conditions and stay updated as the situation unfolds.
Icy conditions in St. Louis have caused treacherous road conditions, leading to multiple crashes and prompting authorities to urge drivers to stay off the roads. Schools, government offices, and businesses have closed, and public transportation has been affected. The freezing rain has also impacted the airport, with numerous flight cancellations and delays. Residents are advised to stay indoors, and various institutions have shifted to remote operations or online classes. The winter weather advisory is in effect, with freezing rain expected to persist, but temperatures are forecasted to rise in the coming days.
Freezing rain has coated the Kansas City area in a layer of ice, leading to dangerous road conditions and numerous crashes. Road temperatures are coldest to the south, causing significant delays and closures, with another round of freezing rain expected tonight. Several school districts have canceled classes, and authorities are urging caution and advising against unnecessary travel.
MoDOT prepares for icy conditions in St. Louis, urging drivers to exercise caution and consider delaying travel if possible, while providing tips for safe driving and emergency preparedness. Crews are treating roads and working 12-hour shifts, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol advises extra caution in specific areas. Officials stress the importance of staying informed about changing road conditions and emergency response times, and provide contact information for emergencies.
Nearly 90 weather-related deaths have been recorded across the US after fierce winter storms, with at least 25 in Tennessee and 16 in Oregon. Tens of thousands remain without power, and icy conditions are expected to continue until midweek. Fatalities have also been reported in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Washington, Kentucky, Wisconsin, New York, and New Jersey. Some areas are facing potential water shortages, and tens of thousands of people remain without power. Icy conditions and chilling winds are expected to persist, with a thaw expected to bring warm air and rain, potentially causing flooding in parts of the Midwest and northeastern US.
An arctic blast has brought bone-chilling cold and dangerous icy conditions to much of the United States, resulting in over 60 weather-related deaths. Heavy snow and plunging temperatures have made roadways slick, with fatalities reported in states like Mississippi, Tennessee, and Oregon. Emergency officials are warning of frostbite and hypothermia with prolonged outdoor exposure, and temperatures are expected to reach record lows in cities like Minneapolis and Chicago. The cold snap is also affecting Southern cities and the Great Lakes region, while thousands in Portland, Oregon, remain without power. However, the National Weather Service forecasts a steady warm-up for the middle of the country beginning Sunday.
The Oregon Department of Transportation reopened a 47-mile stretch of Interstate 84 in the Columbia River Gorge after a 31-hour closure due to icy conditions. Large vehicles and those towing are required to use chains, and road crews will continue to plow and spread sand, salt, and deicer on the freeway. However, another round of winter weather is expected, so travelers should stay updated on the forecast and driving restrictions.
Due to ongoing icy conditions and the possibility of more freezing rain, several institutions and offices in the Portland metro area, including City of Portland offices, Portland State University, and Portland Community College, have announced closures for Thursday, Jan. 18. Additionally, Clark County offices and Oregon State Parks have also closed in response to the inclement weather.
Portland-area school districts, including Beaverton, Hillsboro, and North Clackamas, have canceled classes for Thursday due to persisting icy conditions, with some campuses still without heat or power. This comes after roads remained slick and impassable, leading to the prospect of a third straight day of closures.