Winter Storm Kingston Disrupts Schools and Travel Across Eastern U.S.

News Summary

Winter Storm Kingston wreaks havoc across the Eastern U.S., causing school closures and dangerous travel conditions. With heavy snowfall and icy roads, many states are bracing for further disruptions as the storm continues to impact daily life. Emergency shelters have opened, and travel plans are being heavily affected, highlighting the serious risks posed by this winter weather event.

Winter Storm Kingston Causes Havoc Across Eastern U.S.

The winter weather we all dread has descended upon many states, and it’s not holding back. Winter Storm Kingston has been causing chaos from Nebraska all the way to the sunny South, bringing with it heartbreak, travel troubles, and a blanket of snow. So far, at least four lives have been lost due to this storm, including a state trooper in Nebraska who tragically died while responding to an accident.

Fatalities and Damaging Conditions

Two individuals lost their lives in Nebraska, while North Carolina and Tennessee are mourning one person each. This storm isn’t just a nuisance; it poses serious risks to anyone who dares to venture out. Reports from Virginia State Police indicate that by 5 a.m. Thursday alone, they had already managed over 500 crashes, with 45 injuries resulting from this icy onslaught.

Snow Accumulations and Record-Breaking Events

The heaviest snowfalls were observed near the Virginia-North Carolina border, with towns like Sigma and Greenbrier witnessing around 12.5 inches of snow. Norfolk, Virginia, even smashed its previous daily snowfall record of 0.6 inches set back in 1989, accumulating an impressive 10.2 inches this time around. If snow is your thing, this storm certainly delivered—a far cry from the usual light dusting we often expect in the winter months!

Impact Across the Southern States

Meanwhile, Kentucky and other Southern states are facing their own challenges as they deal with ongoing flooding from a previous storm. As Kingston rolls through, it’s bringing freezing rain, with central North Carolina particularly at risk before midnight. Some areas are staring down the barrel of hazardous driving with conditions expected to worsen overnight, especially in Atlanta, where icy roads may turn into a treacherous gauntlet.

School Closures and Cancellations

Many school districts are taking precautions during this volatile weather. Virginia’s Albemarle, Henrico, and Middlesex counties have announced closures, keeping students safe from the harsh winter conditions. Schools and businesses across Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri are either closed or switched to online learning, ensuring that everyone can hunker down until the storm passes.

Travel Disruptions Abound

Travelers should brace themselves! Major airlines, including United, Southwest, and Delta, have had to cancel a slew of flights due to the unpredictable weather impacting numerous airports. If you’re planning to fly anytime soon, it’s wise to keep your eye on those travel plans and prepare for changes.

The Road Ahead

According to weather experts, the snow is anticipated to taper off in the mid-Atlantic area, but not without potential additional showers moving eastward overnight. Areas in North Carolina and Arkansas are under winter weather warnings as the National Weather Service closely monitors conditions. In fact, predictions for ice accumulation of over a quarter of an inch in Clinton and Goldsboro may lead to power outages and hazardous travel, making this a situation to take seriously.

Emergency Shelters and Safety Measures

In light of these conditions, emergency shelters have opened in parts of Virginia, such as Roanoke, to provide refuge for those caught out in the cold. As temperatures continue to plunge in regions, including Florida along the Gulf Coast, the message remains: avoid unnecessary travel if you can.

Ongoing Developments

As Kingston continues to make its impact felt across the East Coast and beyond, the situation is evolving rapidly. Black ice, dangerous visibility, and treacherous road conditions mean that many Expressways are no place to be right now. Stay safe, stay warm, and remember to check local conditions if you do need to head out.

Winter storms like Kingston serve as an important reminder of nature’s power. As communities band together to face these challenges, we remind everyone to stay informed and prioritize safety above all else.

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Additional Resources

• Justin Weather: Feb 19 Storm in Virginia and North Carolina
• Washington Post: Winter Storm Forecast for Virginia and North Carolina
• Weather.com: Winter Storm Cora Impact in Southern US
• Forbes: Southern Winter Storm Expected to Bring Heavy Snow
• USA Today: Winter Storm Cora’s Path of Snow and Ice