Winter Storm Landon Creates Hazardous Conditions Across Multiple US States
Winter Storm Landon is underway, spreading harsh snow conditions from the Rockies to the Plains, Midwest and parts of the Northeast through Feb. 4.
According to The Weather Channel, the storm will significantly impact travel, may create power outages and likely cause tree damage. Winter weather advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service for an area that stretches from Colorado and New Mexico to Maine.
The storm is expected to continue pushing through the Midwest on Feb. 2, bringing snow from Kansas eastward to Ohio and Michigan, reported The New York Times. Forecasters add that in the South there is potential for accumulations of ice that could cause power outages.
Many areas could pick up at least 6 inches of snow along the path of Landon, added The Weather Channel. Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan can expect some of the heaviest snowfall.
Officials in Missouri said that some interstates had become dangerous, reported The New York Times. Illinois has seen 11 inches of snow in some places. All of Northeast Ohio is under a Winter Storm Warning, Watch or Advisory, reported Fox 8 News. The governor of Arkansas activated the National Guard in light of the icy conditions, reported The New York Times.
Travel disruptions are occurring in the Midwest, with semi-trucks and other large vehicles being banned from the Ohio Turnpike until midday Feb. 4. Indianapolis are unable to treat roads in advance because of the ongoing heavy rain, and in Missouri, a snowplow driver shortage is expected to elongate the time it takes to clear the roads.
More than 1,400 flights were canceled nationwide, according to FlightAware. Amtrak paused train service across the Midwest and the South.
“Our operational planners are carefully tracking Winter Storm Landon as it moves eastward across the U.S. and making adjustments to our schedule as necessary,” said Southwest Airlines spokesperson Dan Landson to USA TODAY via email.
The worst of the storm is not expected until later Feb. 2, however, when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, reported The New York Times.
