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School closures are anticipated to be extensive on Monday as districts across Indiana, Virginia, and Kentucky began issuing announcements for canceled classes and delays by Sunday afternoon. Jefferson County Public Schools in Kentucky have canceled all classes, extracurricular activities, and athletic events, affecting nearly 100,000 students.
In addition, Maryland has followed suit, with Governor Wes Moore declaring a closure for state government offices on Monday. The governor emphasized the importance of safety in his statement, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm and to prepare their homes and communications in case of power outages.
Congress to convene amid winter storm to certify 2024 election results
As Washington, D.C. braces for severe winter weather, Congress is scheduled to convene to officially certify the election results for President-elect Donald Trump. A winter storm warning is currently in effect until 1:00 AM EST Tuesday, with heavy snowfall projected during the morning commute.
January 6 serves as the legal deadline for this certification. The shadow of the tumultuous events from January 6, 2021, looms over the proceedings, as the same Republican Party member who sought to contest the prior election now returns to power legitimately.
Heightened security measures are being implemented as a precaution, reminiscent of the chaos experienced at the US Capitol four years prior when then-President Trump urged his supporters to “fight like hell.” However, according to reports from the Associated Press, no protests or incidents of violence are expected this time around.
Though the potential impact of the winter storm remains to be seen, House Speaker Mike Johnson affirmed on Fox News that Congress would proceed with its duties, stating, “Whether we’re in a blizzard or not, we are going to be in that chamber making sure this is done.” Johnson has played a significant role in Trump’s attempts to question the legitimacy of the 2020 election.
A polar vortex typically swirling around the North Pole is part of the current cold snap impacting the US, Europe, and Asia. Research suggests that a rapidly warming Arctic contributes to the increasing frequency of the polar vortex pushing its frigid air southward.
Seven states declare emergencies amid forecasts of significant snowfall
The United States is experiencing a significant winter storm characterized by heavy snow, ice, strong winds, and sharply falling temperatures, leading to hazardous travel conditions from the central and southern states to the East Coast on Monday. Alerts indicate that certain regions may receive the heaviest snowfall seen in ten years.
A state of emergency has been declared in seven states, including Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas, and parts of New Jersey. Many schools and government offices across these regions are expected to remain closed on Monday.
In areas such as Kansas, western Nebraska, and Indiana, substantial snow and ice accumulation has affected major roadways, prompting the activation of the National Guard to assist stranded drivers. Reports suggest that at least 20 cm of snowfall, accompanied by wind gusts of up to 45 mph (72 kph), is anticipated.
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings spanning from Kansas and Missouri to New Jersey, underscoring that for certain areas experiencing the highest accumulation, this could lead to the heaviest snowfall in a decade.
Source
www.theguardian.com