Winter Storm Kingston Poised to Impact Eastern U.S. with Heavy Snow

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Winter Storm Kingston is set to lash the eastern United States with significant snowfall, beginning its journey in Springfield, Missouri, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, before sweeping eastward through Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia. North Carolina is expected to face the highest ice threat from Fayetteville to Greenville. Authorities warn of travel delays as the storm intensifies.

The storm, which has already dumped heavy snow from Kentucky to Washington, D.C., is causing chaos on roadways and contributing to power outages. As the system pushed through, Iron Gate, Virginia, recorded over 14 inches of snow while White Sulphur Springs measured 12 inches, according to the National Weather Service. By Wednesday morning, more than 190,000 customers were without power in Virginia, and an additional 13,000 in North Carolina, as reported by PowerOutage.us.

“After a pretty quiet few seasons here, things have kind of picked back up again,” said Scott Kleebauer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center. “We’re seeing significant impacts across the region.”

Air travel has also been severely disrupted, with nearly 2,500 flights canceled or delayed nationwide on Wednesday. In Virginia, schools were canceled for a second consecutive day, and students in Maryland and Washington, D.C., were also given the day off. Residents seized the snowy conditions for recreational activities, with families sledding near the U.S. Capitol.

The mix of snow and ice is expected to transition to rain as the day progresses, raising concerns about potential flooding. “Our main concern once we get into Thursday will be potential flooding impacts as we see rivers and streams swell with the combined impact of melting snowpack and rain at the same time,” said Vance Joyner, a weather service meteorologist in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Reports from the region indicate dangers on the road, with approximately 850 crashes in Virginia alone attributed to the severe weather. Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency to expedite recovery efforts. In Kentucky, a head-on collision occurred following icy conditions, resulting in one fatality.

From Missouri to Oklahoma, winter weather warnings are in effect as the storm moves eastward. In southern West Virginia, several major highways were temporarily shut down due to multiple crashes.

As Kingston progresses towards the East Coast, significant snowfall is predicted across states in the southern mid-Atlantic region. Travel hazards are expected with wind gusts up to 35 mph complicating conditions.

In preparation for the storm, authorities officials in North Carolina, Oklahoma, and nearby states have declared states of emergency, urging residents to take caution when traveling.

Meanwhile, California braces for another atmospheric river, potentially bringing heavy rains and flooding to areas still recovering from recent wildfires. The California Department of Water Resources has prepared over 700,000 sandbags across central and Southern California to mitigate flood risks.

As Kingston wreaks havoc, residents are advised to stay indoors and monitor local weather reports for the latest updates, while officials work tirelessly to restore power and clear roadways impacted by the storm.