The first major winter storm of 2025 struck the US Middle Atlantic states on Monday, causing widespread disruptions, including the closure of federal offices and schools in Washington, D.C. The storm dumped over a foot of snow in the Ohio Valley and Central Plains, with the capital expected to see six to nine inches before the system moves out to sea. Several states, including Kansas, Kentucky, Arkansas, West Virginia, and Virginia, have declared states of emergency.
As the storm moved eastward, Arctic air brought freezing rain and icy conditions, creating hazardous driving conditions from Illinois to Virginia. The Central Plains, already hit with heavy snow, faced extreme cold, with wind chills dropping below zero in Kansas. The cold air will continue, with daytime highs in the teens and 20s.
Federal offices in Washington D.C. were closed, but Congress proceeded with its meeting. Many schools, including in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Washington, and Philadelphia, were shut due to the storm.
Over 250,000 homes and businesses in central and southern US experienced power outages. The storm is expected to move offshore by Monday evening, but it will be replaced by frigid air. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas issued a weather watch from Jan 6-10, warning of high electrical demand and potential reduced reserves.
The storm also disrupted travel, with over 1,300 flights canceled and 414 delayed, primarily affecting Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. The Federal Aviation Administration had earlier warned of potential travel disruptions due to winds, snow, and freezing conditions in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
