US States Declare Emergencies as Storm Blair Brings Arctic Weather

A powerful winter storm named Blair has brought extreme Arctic weather to much of the central and eastern United States, placing over 60 million Americans under severe weather warnings. Driven by a polar vortex, the storm has affected 30 states, with seven declaring states of emergency due to hazardous conditions, including frozen rain, snow, gusty winds, and thunderstorms.

Among the hardest-hit regions were Kansas and Missouri, where blizzard conditions created whiteouts and left up to a foot (30 cm) of snow in some areas. States such as Arkansas and Texas have faced tornado watches, while road closures, downed power lines, and flight cancellations have disrupted daily life across the country.

As the storm progresses eastward, areas including Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Delaware are bracing for severe conditions through Monday morning. Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland are currently enduring the worst effects, with snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) expected, accompanied by blizzards, strong winds, and poor visibility.

South of the snow zone, freezing rain and sleet have caused dangerous ice accumulations exceeding 0.25 inches in northern Kentucky and southern West Virginia, further complicating travel and infrastructure.

In Washington, D.C., a winter storm warning remains in effect until 1:00 a.m. EST (6:00 a.m. GMT) Tuesday, with snowfall rates of up to 3 inches per hour expected during the Monday morning commute. Daytime temperatures in affected areas are hovering near freezing, exacerbating icy conditions.

Beyond the immediate disruptions, the storm’s impact is expected to ripple through the economy, damaging infrastructure and interrupting business operations. Power outages and travel restrictions have forced businesses to close or operate with minimal staffing, adding to the challenges posed by the extreme weather.