Winter storm death toll continues to rise after cities from Midwest to mid-Atlantic get slammed with snow, ice
At least seven deaths are being attributed to the storm, including two in Missouri, four in Kansas and one in Illinois. Winter storm-related power outages jumped on Monday as the storm's impacts continued across the Mid-Atlantic and into the Northeast.
A powerful and deadly winter storm that brought heavy snow to at least 25 states from the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic is finally coming to an end but work to restore power and clear roads and highways continues on Tuesday.
WASHINGTON—A powerful and deadly winter storm that stretched thousands of miles across the U.S., slamming major cities from the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic, has finally come to an end.
However, officials are warning residents not to let their guard down as crews continue their work to clear roads and restore power after being pounded by heavy snow and ice.
A snow drift, towering 4 feet high, was left behind by last weekend's blizzard in Kansas. In Robinson, a town in the northeast part of the state, the snow nearly reaches the tops of the doors at Judy Bearce's home. She said her family had to use heavy equipment to dig her out of her home because the doors were completely blocked.
(Judy Bearce)
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Snow falling at the White House in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6, 2024.
(White House)
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This photo shows two people and a dog enjoying the snow in Washington, D.C., during a winter storm on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
(Billy Heath/WAGA-TV)
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Snow on the ground at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C. on Monday, Jan. 6, 2024.
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Snow falling at the White House in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6, 2024.
(White House)
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This image shows a snowy Washington Monument in Washington D.C. during a winter storm on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
(Billy Heath/WAGA-TV)
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This image shows a snowy Washington Monument in Washington D.C. during a winter storm on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
(Billy Heath/WAGA-TV)
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This photo shows snow on a bench outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., during a winter storm on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
(Billy Heath/WAGA-TV)
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This photo shows a person walking through the snow with the U.S. Capitol in the background during a winter storm on Monday, Jan. 16, 2025.
(Billy Heath/WAGA-TV)
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This image shows a plow in front of the White House in Washington, D.C, during a winter storm on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
(Billy Heath/WAGA-TV)
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This image shows skiers in front of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., during a winter storm on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
(Billy Heath/WAGA-TV)
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Snow in Washington, D.C.'s Woodley Park on Jan. 6, 2024.
(@lschattenstein/X)
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Snow in Tysons Corner, Virginia measured with hockey pucks on Monday, Jan. 6, 2024.
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Snow on the ground at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C. on Monday, Jan. 6, 2024.
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Snow on the ground at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C. on Monday, Jan. 6, 2024.
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This image shows a snow plow in front of the White House in Washington, D.C., as a deadly winter storm slams the mid-Atlantic on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
(Billy Heath/WAGA-TV)
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SHAWNEE, KANSAS - JANUARY 5: A salt and plow truck pulls onto a road on January 5, 2025 in Shawnee, Kansas. A large swath of the U.S., across the Midwest to the East Coast is experiencing a major Winter storm, with more than two feet of snow in some areas. A state of emergency has been declared in Kentucky and Virginia. (Photo by Chase Castor/Getty Images)
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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - JANUARY 5: Motorists drive through the snow along I-264 on January 5, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. Local forecasts called for heavy snowfall followed by significant accumulation of freezing rain and ice. (Photo by Luke Sharrett/Getty Images)
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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - JANUARY 5: A motorist drives through the snow near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on January 5, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. Local forecasts called for heavy snowfall followed by significant accumulation of freezing rain and ice. (Photo by Luke Sharrett/Getty Images)
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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - JANUARY 5: Snow-covered vehicles sit parked near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on January 5, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. Local forecasts called for heavy snowfall followed by significant accumulation of freezing rain and ice. (Photo by Luke Sharrett/Getty Images)
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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - JANUARY 5: A dump truck spreads salt along the tarmac at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on January 5, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. Local forecasts called for heavy snowfall followed by significant accumulation of freezing rain and ice. (Photo by Luke Sharrett/Getty Images)
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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - JANUARY 5: A snow-covered Humvee military vehicle sits parked at the Kentucky Air National Guard base at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on January 5, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. Local forecasts called for heavy snowfall followed by significant accumulation of freezing rain and ice. (Photo by Luke Sharrett/Getty Images)
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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - JANUARY 5: Semi trucks drive through the snow along I-264 on January 5, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. Local forecasts called for heavy snowfall followed by significant accumulation of freezing rain and ice. (Photo by Luke Sharrett/Getty Images)
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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - JANUARY 5: A FedEx Corp. cargo jet sits parked in the snow at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on January 5, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. Local forecasts called for heavy snowfall followed by significant accumulation of freezing rain and ice. (Photo by Luke Sharrett/Getty Images)
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SHAWNEE, KANSAS - JANUARY 5: Darin Campbell uses a snow blower to remove snow from his driveway on January 5, 2025 in Shawnee, Kansas. A large swath of the U.S., across the Midwest to the East Coast is experiencing a major Winter storm, with more than two feet of snow in some areas. A state of emergency has been declared in Kentucky and Virginia. (Photo by Chase Castor/Getty Images)
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A car drives down a snowy road in Louisville, Kentucky.
(Brandy Campbell)
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A tractor plows snow from Louisville roads on Sunday.
(Brandy Campbell)
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A truck scoops salt from a salt dome in Louisville, to get ready for treating roads.
(Brandy Campbell)
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Trucks for the The Department of Public Works Division of Streets and Road Operations load salt to prepare for treating roads.
(Brandy Campbell)
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The Department of Public Works Division of Streets and Road Operations trucks get ready to treat roads during a powerful winter storm making its way through the area Sunday.
(Brandy Campbell)
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This image shows ice that formed on a vehicle traveling on I-70 from Salina to Kansas City on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.
(Matt Keane/Facebook)
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As heavy lake-effect snow piled up across the northern portion of New York state, footage recorded by Richard Hulburd of the X account @Weather_buffalo shows what Hulburd described as "almost five feet of snow" burying the town of Camden, New York. According to the National Weather Service, 65 inches of snow was measured in Camden since the lake-effect event began on Thursday.
(@Weather_buffalo via Storyful)
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This image shows a tractor trailer that crashed during a winter storm in Missouri on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2024.
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This image shows a vehicle that crashed during a winter storm in Missouri on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2024.
(@MSHPTrooperGHQ/X)
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This image shows dangerous driving conditions during a winter storm in Missouri on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.
(@MSHPTrooperGHQ/X)
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This image shows a snow plow that overturned in icy conditions in Platte County, Missouri, on Saturday, Jan 4, 2025.
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This image shows a truck that overturned in icy conditions in Platte County, Missouri, on Saturday, Jan 4, 2025.
(@MSHPTrooperA/X)
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Empty store shelves in Kansas City as shoppers prepare for a winter storm.
(@kuyaraymart)
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Crash along I-70 in the Kansas City metro on Saturday.
(KDOT/SCOUT)
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Snow falling at the White House in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6, 2024.
(White House)
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Snow falling at the White House in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6, 2024.
(White House)
Exclusive FOX Weather Storm Tracker Brandon Copic helps free deputies from the snow near St. Joseph, MO.
At least seven deaths, including a child, are being attributed to the storm across multiple states.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol said a 33-year-old driver died after getting out of their vehicle on Interstate 29 in Mount City. The vehicle began to slide, hitting the 33-year-old victim from Nebraska.
Another death was reported in Missouri when a 61-year-old Public Works employee was struck while performing snow removal operations in Jackson County, according to MSHP. Snow removal operations paused on Sunday because of the incident and resumed on Monday morning.
"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Everett Carter, who dedicated 40 years of service to Jackson County, including the last 8 years with the Public Works team," Jackson County officials said in a statement.
A video shared from Washington D.C. shows a plow working to remove snow in front of the White House as a deadly winter storm slams the mid-Atlantic on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
In Kansas, two people were killed in a crash in southwest Wichita during the winter storm, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP), when a vehicle traveling on Interstate 235 spun out of control and left the roadway.
Also in Kansas, a 28-year-old Dodge City man died on Saturday in Ford County when a tractor-trailer swerved in icy conditions, and the victim’s vehicle crashed into the tractor-trailer.
On Monday, investigators said a Dodge City man was killed when a vehicle backed over him while he was trying to direct a vehicle out of a snowdrift-covered parking lot near the junction of K-156 and I-70.
In Illinois, officials say a juvenile was killed and another is being treated for injuries described as life-threatening after a snow tube crash in Macon County.
Officials said a man driving an ATV was pulling two boys on an inner tube in snowy conditions when the tube slid out during a turn and hit a large boulder.
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management warned residents not to let their guard down during a break in the weather.
"While this break in precipitation is allowing road crews to continue to work to make roadways passable, any moisture remaining on the roadways could cause refreeze with temperatures dropping below freezing," said VDEM Chief Agency Spokesperson Jason Elmore. "Please limit travel unless absolutely necessary and don't have a false sense of security because this weather event isn't over just yet."
Washington declares snow emergency; Maryland under state of emergency
Three-hour radar loop showing where snow (blue), sleet (purple), freezing rain (magenta) and rain (green) are ongoing. (FOX Weather)
In advance of the storm, governors in several states, including Maryland, declared a state of emergency and warned residents to stay home if possible to ensure safety due to the treacherous driving conditions on roads and highways across the region.
"Keeping Marylanders safe is our top priority. Please stay off the roads during this storm. Prepare your home and family and charge your communications devices in case you lose power," Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said in a statement.
A winter storm warning issued in Staunton, Virginia as snow conditions continue on highway 81.
Moore said the state was closed on Monday.
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a snow emergency through at least the end of the day on Tuesday. With that declaration, vehicles were ordered not to park on snow emergency routes, and the pre-treatment of roads was set to begin on Sunday night.
Washington, D.C. schools were also closed on Monday due to the impending major winter storm. The school district announced Monday evening that all classes would be canceled on Tuesday as well.
This graphic shows locations of team coverage for the deadly winter storm sweeping across the U.S.
(FOX Weather)
A joint session of Congress gathered on Monday to certify the 2024 election results without issues from the storm. Additionally, the state funeral for President Jimmy Carter will continue as planned from Tuesday through Thursday.
State offices were closed in Delaware on Monday, and Gov. John Carney said he activated the Delaware National Guard to assist where needed.
Video shows ice accumulating on the windshield amid heavy snow conditions on the road.
Officials have been warning residents across the nation, from the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic, including portions of the busy Interstate 95 corridor, to stay off the roads if possible.
The Maryland Department of Transportation (DOT) urged drivers to keep speeds low if travel is needed and to not crowd DOT crews who have been busy pre-treating roads since Sunday.
The Virginia DOT said road conditions began to deteriorate on Sunday and remained treacherous on Monday.
Virginia DOT Spokesperson Alex Liggitt spoke with FOX Weather on Monday morning and said crews have been busy pre-treating roads, but also urged people to stay off the roads if possible.
"We did a full brine of about 2,000 lane miles here," he said. "Now, where I am, I'm the Northern Virginia District, so that's Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William counties, also Arlington, right outside of D.C., and, you know, we're in full push mode."
A deadly winter storm that moved across the U.S. is now impacting the mid-Atlantic with heavy snow and ice. Virginia Department of Transportation Spokesperson Alex Liggitt appeared on FOX Weather Monday morning and broke down what the state is doing to keep roads clear and keep residents safe.
Liggitt said more than 3,000 pieces of equipment were out on Virginia roads working to keep them clear of snow and ice.
"The main thing that we are urging residents is just to please stay off the roads, do not travel," he said. "You know, it's essential. And if you must, do it with extreme caution and go very slow."
FOX Weather Meteorologist Kendall Smith was reporting live from Kansas City, Missouri, when a bright flash of lightning illuminated the sky and loud thunder rumbled across the region.
The dangerous winter storm was also wreaking havoc on major airports in the Washington, Baltimore and Philadelphia areas.
According to FlightAware, hundreds of cancellations were reported at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Philadelphia (PHL) International.
Reagan International closed all runways on Monday evening to allow crews to clear snow.
Numerous delays were also reported at major airports in the Midwest, such as St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), Kansas City International Airport (MCI), and Indianapolis International Airport (IND).
A FedEx Corp. cargo jet sits parked in the snow at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on January 5, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. Local forecasts called for heavy snowfall followed by significant accumulation of freezing rain and ice. (Photo by Luke Sharrett/Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) also reported delays and cancelations due to snow in the area earlier on Monday.
Passengers were warned about possible travel delays at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) due to the winter storm in the mid-Atlantic.
Amtrak said it, too, adjusted train schedules due to the storm. According to officials, some trains operating between Boston and Washington, as well as numerous trains in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic, were canceled.
How much snow fell during the winter storm?
The graphics below show some of the top snow totals in the U.S. from the first major winter storm of 2025.
This graphic shows some of the biggest snow totals along the Interstate 95 corridor.
(FOX Weather)
This graphic shows some of the biggest snow totals from the Midwest to mid-Atlantic.
(FOX Weather)
This graphic shows some of the biggest snow totals from the Midwest to mid-Atlantic.