Massive US Snowstorm Kills at Least Two, Hundreds of Thousands Without Power

The powerful storm comes as a shock as unpredictable weather caused by human-induced climate change increases. So far this year the mid-Atlantic has experienced an unusually warm and snow-free winter, with the nation’s capital having experienced a high of 66 degrees on Jan. 2, 2022.

Millions of Americans across the mid-Atlantic woke up to one of the biggest snowstorms in recent years on Monday as many were left in limbo after being forced to deal with the aftermath of vast power outages.

The snow fell quickly, accumulating to about a foot throughout Washington, DC, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and southern New Jersey. The storm also stretched toward northern Alabama, northern Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and even the Florida Panhandle.

⁦@capitalweather⁩ ⁦@weatherchannel⁩ ⁦@MatthewCappucci⁩ Snow globe in Pentagon City! #snowstorm #Frida pic.twitter.com/Vc0EKB6zuZ

— Alex (@wxmanAZ) January 3, 2022

Over yonder in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, officials reported 9 inches of snow, whereas Swiss, North Carolina, reported 11 inches. In Moores Mill, Alabama, residents saw 7 inches accumulate.

Still coming down strong here in Hampton Cove (Huntsville, AL) #Alabamaweather #Huntsville #snow @spann pic.twitter.com/Pw5Zd48REW

— Aimee Hill (@aim_hill) January 3, 2022

Ya’ll need to watch out… this weather has been bringing out the weirdos… #Alabamaweather #snow #trex pic.twitter.com/8P51zeTsnI

— ChristiBoss (@ChristiBoss) January 3, 2022

The snow buildup comes as a particular shock to Birmingham, Alabama, who experienced New Year’s Day in 80-degree weather, and are now faced with temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit and strong wind gusts.

Other unpredictable weather patterns in Tennessee and Georgia resulted in the deaths of two children.

Very poor visibility, bad road conditions. I just helped a guy get unstuck. Stay indoors. About 5" here in Fairfax county now. @ryanhallyall @capitalweather #vawx #snowstorm pic.twitter.com/QPZRJsHma6

— krakow (@gdkrakow1918) January 3, 2022

After heavy snowfall in Townsend, Tennessee, a tree collapsed on a rental home killing a 7 year-old girl who was in her bed. A similar tragedy occurred in Decatur, Georgia, involving 5 year-old Zachariah Jackson who died when a tree fell on his home. Officials are speculating the tree in Decatur fell due to extremely wet and windy weather conditions.

Tree snow tunnels in Alexandria! #snowstorm #snowday @capitalweather @PoPville pic.twitter.com/DCv0REAIoP

— Laura Good (@laurapgood) January 3, 2022

The snowstorm will have extensive negative impact, as nearly 1 million Americans are without power in the southeast and mid-Atlantic. Virginia has been hit particularly hard with over 400,000 currently without power.

Extreme and unpredictable weather has caused a combined 7,200 international and US flights to be grounded as of midday Monday and delayed another 10,158 flights.

President Joe Biden arrives on Air Force One during winter snowstorm at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, en route to Washington.

© AP Photo / Carolyn Kaster

The storm also caused some difficulty in travel for Air Force One and the presidential motorcade as they returned US President Joe Biden to the White House after a weekend in Delaware.

Virginia State Police reported some 82 car accidents by 8 a.m. Monday - that number climbed to 522 accidents and stranded vehicles by 12:30 p.m. To date, no injuries have been reported.

Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser earlier declared a snow emergency in the district, which is planned to remain in effect until 7 p.m. on Monday. The district’s health department has also canceled all COVID-19 testing due to the snow. Additionally, federal buildings, the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority, and all Smithsonian museums are closed and/or have suspended services due to the weather.

Although much of the storm is expected to end by Monday evening, travel may be disrupted for Tuesday commuters due to freezing temperatures overnight.