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- A severe winter storm has wrapped up in the Southern U.S., leaving behind significant travel disruptions and power outages.
- The storm brought heavy snow, freezing rain, and bitter cold, affecting millions from Texas to Georgia and beyond.
- Multiple states declared states of emergency, with National Guards activated to assist stranded motorists.
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Essential Context
The winter storm, which began on Thursday, January 9, 2025, and subsided by Saturday morning, brought unprecedented winter weather to the Southern United States. The storm dumped more than a year’s worth of snow in some Southern cities, causing widespread disruptions.
Core Players
- Governors of Arkansas, North Carolina, Missouri, and West Virginia – Declared states of emergency.
- National Guard units – Activated to help stranded motorists.
- Local emergency management agencies – Coordinated relief efforts.
Key Numbers
- 300,000+ customers without power across Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, West Virginia, Illinois, and Missouri.
- 60,000+ customers without electricity in Georgia, mostly in metro Atlanta.
- 7-10 inches of snow in parts of Arkansas and Tennessee.
- 5 deaths attributed to the storm in Kansas and Missouri.
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The Catalyst
The storm was triggered by a polar vortex that brought frigid air from the Arctic, causing extreme cold, heavy snow, and freezing rain across a vast area of the United States.
“We are in it now,” said Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Ben Gardner, highlighting the treacherous road conditions.
Inside Forces
The storm’s impact was exacerbated by the rapid accumulation of snow and ice, which overwhelmed road maintenance and power grid infrastructure. Local authorities faced significant challenges in clearing roads and restoring power.
“Please stay off the roads. Crews are seeing too many vehicles out and sliding off,” urged Missouri’s transportation department.
Power Dynamics
Governors in affected states played a crucial role in declaring states of emergency, mobilizing National Guard units, and coordinating relief efforts. Their swift actions helped mitigate the storm’s impact but also underscored the severity of the situation.
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice stated, “Our top priority is safety, and state agencies are pulling the rope together to stay ahead of the challenges we may face.”
Outside Impact
The storm had broader implications for air and rail travel, with numerous flight cancellations and delays at major airports such as Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and Kansas City International Airport. Amtrak also canceled several rail lines due to the weather.
Nearly 200 flights were canceled at St. Louis Lambert International Airport alone.
Future Forces
As the region recovers, there are concerns about the long-term effects of such extreme weather events. Forecasters warn of continued cold temperatures, with the eastern two-thirds of the country experiencing dangerous, bone-chilling air and wind chills.
“This could lead to the coldest January for the U.S. since 2011,” said AccuWeather Director of Forecast Operations Dan DePodwin.
Data Points
- Jan. 9, 2025: The winter storm began affecting the Southern U.S.
- Jan. 11, 2025: The storm subsided, leaving behind travel disruptions and power outages.
- 12-25 degrees Fahrenheit: Expected temperature drops below normal in the Ohio Valley and other areas.
- 80 million people: Affected by the storm across the Southern U.S.
The aftermath of this winter storm highlights the critical need for infrastructure resilience and proactive emergency planning. As the country braces for more extreme weather events, the lessons learned from this storm will be pivotal in shaping future responses.
