A deadly winter storm is sweeping across the US and has already claimed at least nine lives. The Midwest is battling significant snowfall and dangerous road conditions as the storm sweeps to the East to threaten the Great Lakes Region and the Northeast. Motorists are urged to stay home in the storm’s path as numerous school districts close for the weather.
The storm has blanketed the Midwest, with several school districts around the Kansas/Missouri border closing for Monday. Kansas City saw six inches of snow on Sunday evening, and is on track to see even more snowfall today. Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska are all seeing numerous highway crashes, and these have resulted in several roads being closed.
A combination of icy, snowy roadways, crashes backing up traffic and a general rush to get out ahead of the storm have all led to considerable traffic delays. Motorists in the region are encouraged to stay indoors, though if you have to leave home, anticipate lengthy delays in travel time as you navigate both the weather and the traffic.
The storm has claimed at least nine lives in the Midwest. In Missouri, three were killed on the side of the highway when a Jeep overturned and crashed into them. Two died in Nebraska when their vehicle collided with another on Southbound Highway 75. A multi-car crash on Highway 80 in Nebraska claimed two lives and stopped traffic for four hours.
Local authorities warn motorists in the Midwest to simply avoid the highways, as they are currently “a complete mess.” Snowplows are working to clear roadways, but the harsh conditions and numerous traffic fatalities are making the highways spots that motorists should work to avoid.
Meanwhile, the storm is quickly moving east as it deposits huge amounts of snowfall on the land below. Winter storm warnings are in effect through parts of the Ohio Valley and throughout portions of New England.
Through Tuesday, the Great Lakes Region and Northeast can expect significant snowfall and similar conditions to the Midwest. Residents of the region are urged to stay posted for weather updates in case the conditions are similarly dangerous.
