A huge winter storm hit the Midwest early Sunday, making roads dangerous and causing big problems with travel. The storm, which includes blizzards and icy weather, is moving across the United States. Some places could see up to 15 inches (38 centimeters) of snow, and the weather could make roads impossible to drive on.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned people about heavy snow, strong winds, and even ice that could break trees and knock out power for a long time. Many cars have already slid off icy roads in Kansas, and some big trucks are getting stuck.
The storm is causing travel chaos, with snow, sleet, and freezing rain affecting many areas. Kansas and Missouri are facing blizzards, while parts of the U.S. East Coast, like Washington, D.C., might get up to 10 inches of snow by Monday. Many airports in the U.S. are warning travelers about delays and cancellations.
The weather is so bad that it could stop people from traveling, but the U.S. government still plans to meet to certify the election results on January 6, no matter how bad the weather gets. Around 70 million people are under some type of weather alert, with temperatures dropping to below zero in some places.
The storm is expected to cause problems for up to 1,500 miles of the U.S., including freezing rain that could cause ice to build up, making travel even more dangerous. The storm could leave millions of people without power in places like Missouri and Kentucky.
Governors in several states, including Kentucky, Virginia, and Missouri, have declared emergencies and are telling people to stay home to stay safe. They are worried about roads, power outages, and the freezing cold. The storm is a reminder of how powerful and dangerous weather can be, and officials are urging everyone to stay prepared and stay safe.
