The U.S. is experiencing a nightmare: A state of emergency has been declared in 6 states, and thousands of flights have been canceled.

A large part of the United States is battling difficult weather conditions due to a winter storm. Heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, and ice have negatively impacted life in many states, causing significant disruptions in transportation.

STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED IN 6 STATES

States including Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri have declared a state of emergency. Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri are among the states most severely affected by the winter storm. In some areas of Kansas and Nebraska, more than 15 inches of snow was recorded on Sunday. The Kansas City area of Missouri reached nearly a record level in the city's history with 11 inches of snowfall. This heavy snowfall, combined with rapid temperature changes, has led to dangerous icing on highways. Vehicles skidded on the highways, crashing into barriers or other vehicles. AccuWeather reported that at least 3 people lost their lives in Kansas and Missouri due to these adverse weather conditions.

STORM REACHED THE OHIO VALLEY

The storm moved from the Midwest to the east, affecting the Ohio Valley as well. Snow and ice made transportation difficult in Indiana and Illinois. In some areas of Indiana, snow accumulation ranged from 8 to 10 inches, while most roads in rural Illinois were on the verge of closure. In Michigan, heavy winds accompanied the snowfall. Wind speeds reaching approximately 65 kilometers per hour caused the snow to blow off the ground, significantly reducing visibility.

SNOWFALL AND COLD WEATHER DOMINATE

The effects of the winter storm were also felt in the southeastern states. While snowfall intensified in Kentucky and Tennessee, snow thickness measured between 6 to 8 inches in some areas. In Atlanta and its surroundings, light snowfall, along with cold weather, caused roads to freeze. Unusual weather conditions in the Southeast posed a significant danger, especially for unprepared drivers.

FREEZING COLD AFFECTS THE NORTHEAST

In the Northeast, snowfall increased in areas such as southern New York and New Jersey. In some areas of southern New Jersey, snow thickness reached up to 9 inches, while light snowfall and freezing temperatures dominated New York City and its surroundings. The National Weather Service (NWS) announced that dry but windy weather would continue across the Northeast on Tuesday and Wednesday.

AIR TRAVEL PARALYZED

The winter storm also caused significant disruptions in air travel. According to flight tracking site FlightAware, more than 3,500 flights were canceled nationwide between Sunday and Monday. Airports in the Washington DC area were the most affected by the cancellations. Over 250 departure flights were canceled at Reagan National Airport, while hundreds of flights were also unable to operate at Washington Dulles and Baltimore-Washington International airports.

ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE

Meteorologists reported that the effects of the winter storm would continue throughout the week. Cold weather, wind, and snowfall are expected to be effective in the Midwest and Northeast until Wednesday. Especially icing and reduced visibility pose serious risks for both land and air transportation. While these harsh winter conditions paralyze daily life for millions of people in many states of the US, authorities are warning to exercise caution.