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.
Deadly winter storm brought snow to at least 25 states
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.
WINTER STORM LIVE TRACKER: SNOWFALL MAPS, CURRENT ALERTS, POWER OUTAGE FORECASTS
The storm began its journey across the nation after slamming the West Coast, where it spawned the first tornado of the year in California.
The winter weather then moved into the Plains and Midwest over the weekend, where blizzard conditions were experienced at Kansas City International Airport, and sleet and freezing rain led to numerous crashes across the region from Kansas and Missouri through the Ohio Valley.
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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.
Watch: Plow clears road in front of the White House in Washington, D.C.
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.
Missouri Department of Transportation trucks plow snow-covered Kansas City roads
As snow continues to fall in Kansas City, MoDOT plows are working hard to clear highways covered in snow.
On Monday, the storm brought its fury to the mid-Atlantic states, causing major disruptions to travel and daily life and widespread power outages.
Power has also been knocked out across the region. As of Tuesday morning, PowerOutage.US reported more than 167,000 outages across portions of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia.
Winter storm-related power outages in Richmond caused the city's water system to malfunction. Residents are under a Boil Water Advisory and are being told to conserve water.
After a lull in the snow Monday afternoon, another round moved into the region on Monday night.
SEE IT: US SMACKED WITH SNOW, ICE FROM POWERFUL COAST-TO-COAST WINTER STORM
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
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.
More snow and ice conditions in Staunton, VA
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.
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Winter storm leads to treacherous travel on roads; major airports also impacted
Snow and ice conditions while driving in Staunton, Virginia
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."
DRIVING ON THE ICE AND DRIVING IN THE SNOW: WEATHER DRIVING TIPS FOR DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER
Drivers in Virginia urged to stay off roads as deadly winter storm slams mid-Atlantic
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."
Watch: Thundersnow startles FOX Weather Meteorologist Kendall Smith
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. (FOX Weather)