Severe Winter Storm Hits United States with Snow, Ice, and Freezing Temperatures

washington - A heavy winter storm is sweeping through central and eastern parts of the United States, bringing temperatures as low as minus 18 degrees and snow levels of more than half a meter. Millions of Americans are affected by the extreme winter weather.

A heavy winter storm is currently affecting central and eastern parts of the United States, with temperatures dropping as low as minus 18 degrees and snow accumulating to more than half a meter. This severe weather event is impacting around 60 million people in 18 states, who are under winter weather warnings and advisories.

States like Kansas and parts of northwest Missouri experienced heavy snowfall on Sunday afternoon, leading to icy roads and travel warnings from authorities. The storm is expected to continue into Monday, with snowfall reaching cities like St. Louis, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. New York City may also see light snow or snowflakes on Monday morning.

In northern Kentucky and southern West Virginia, ice accumulation is causing hazardous conditions, while severe thunderstorms that could spawn tornadoes are forecasted in states such as Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warned that for many, this could be the heaviest snowfall in over a decade.

The storm has already resulted in hundreds of flight cancellations, including more than 275 flights in Kansas City and St. Louis. Several governors have declared states of emergency in anticipation of the severe weather conditions.

Although the storm is expected to move away from the coast by Monday evening, frigid polar air will follow, bringing daytime temperatures on Monday and Tuesday 10 to 20 degrees below average.