As of January 6, 2025, a powerful snowstorm is wreaking havoc across a large swath of the United States, particularly affecting the Central Plains, Midwest, and East Coast. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for multiple states, including Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. Snowfall is expected to accumulate between 6 to 12 inches by Monday morning, leading to widespread closures and states of emergency declared by governors in Maryland and Kentucky [4ae95ff0].
In addition to the school closures in major cities like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Louisville, Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo in D.C. will also remain closed. Non-emergency federal employees have been instructed to work remotely due to the severe weather conditions [4ae95ff0]. The storm has also caused significant disruptions in air travel, with over 400 flights delayed and more than 1,300 canceled across the country [4ae95ff0].
Meanwhile, in Europe, severe weather conditions have already caused significant travel disruptions, particularly at major airports. Frankfurt Airport canceled 120 out of 1,990 flights due to snow and black ice, while other airports, including those in Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham, faced temporary closures [95c13eda]. Munich and Amsterdam also reported numerous flight cancellations, adding to the travel chaos [95c13eda].
The combined effects of these weather events highlight the ongoing challenges faced by travelers and authorities alike as they navigate severe winter conditions. The impact of the snowstorm in the U.S. is particularly concerning, with over 240,000 customers without power in affected states [4ae95ff0].