Seven US States Have Declared a State of
Seven US states have declared a state of emergency as a severe winter storm continues to wreak havoc across the country, resulting in at least 5 fatalities. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that some areas are vulnerable to their "heaviest snowfall in no less than a decade."
The storm, caused by a polar vortex, began on Saturday and has been affecting much of North America. As of Monday afternoon, the governors of Maryland, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky declared states of emergency in response to the severe weather conditions.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore urged residents to "stay off the roads," while a government statement warned that the state would experience its heaviest snowfall after midnight on Monday. The National Guard has been deployed in several states, including Kansas, Nebraska, and Indiana, to assist stranded drivers and emergency services.
According to Reports
According to reports, there have been at least 5 weather-related deaths so far. In Jackson County, Missouri, a person was fatally injured while clearing snow. Two individuals in their 20s were also killed when their car rolled down an embankment in Kansas. In Texas, a person's body was found in a bus shelter in Harris County, Houston, and is believed to have died from hypothermia.
In southeastern Virginia, a man died after losing control of his pickup truck, with police citing both alcohol and weather as contributing factors. Reuters reported that the incident occurred on Sunday evening.
National Guard Has Been Working Tirelessly to Assist Motoris
The National Guard has been working tirelessly to assist motorists stranded on snow- and ice-covered roads. In Indiana, about 120 guardsmen have been supporting drivers and emergency services, with Interstate 64, Interstate 69, and U.S. Route 41 partially covered in snow.
State Police Sgt. Todd Ringle stated that snowplows are "coming in short supply" due to the extreme weather conditions. The situation has been so dire in Indiana that authorities have had to prioritize which roads to clear first.
The severe winter storm is expected to continue affecting much of the country, with over 60 million people under weather alerts in approximately 30 states. As the situation continues to unfold, residents are urged to exercise caution and follow instructions from local authorities.
Related News, Governor Wes Moore's Office Released a Stateme
In related news, Governor Wes Moore's office released a statement emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety during this severe weather event. "We urge everyone to stay indoors and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary," he said.
National Weather Service Has Issued Warnings for Heavy
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for heavy snowfall in Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, and other affected areas. As the storm continues to cause disruptions across the country, residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow updates from local authorities.
The deployment of the National Guard is a testament to the severity of the situation, with thousands of troops working to keep roads clear and provide assistance to those in need. The winter storm has brought hazardous conditions to millions of people, highlighting the importance of preparedness and emergency planning during extreme weather events.