black ice dangers
What are the impacts of the severe winter storm affecting the heartland of America?
The massive winter storm has created treacherous conditions across multiple states, turning roads in Oklahoma City into ice rinks with vehicles losing control. Interstate 40 has been reduced to one lane due to accidents, including a Lowe's truck spinning out and an 18-wheeler sideswiping a plow truck. The storm is bringing significant snowfall—up to a foot in Kansas and two feet in the Rockies—while Chicago experienced wind chills of 21 below zero. The death toll in Kentucky has risen to at least 14, and officials in affected areas are urging drivers to stay off roads as blowing snow continues.
Watch clip answer (01:09m)
ABC News
00:32 - 01:41
What is the scope and impact of the current winter storm in the United States?
The current winter storm is affecting 100 million Americans across 25 states, with severe weather conditions extending from Montana down to Texas and eastward to the mid-Atlantic region. The storm is bringing dangerous snow and ice accumulation to multiple regions, creating hazardous travel conditions with ice-covered roads in Oklahoma City where a semi-truck was reported sideways on Interstate 40. Extreme cold temperatures accompany this weather system, with wind chills plummeting to 21 degrees below zero in Chicago and feeling like just 1 degree in Dallas. Whiteout conditions have been reported in Oswego County, New York, with lake effect snow expected to continue through the following morning, creating widespread dangerous winter conditions throughout much of the country.
Watch clip answer (00:25m)ABC News
00:00 - 00:25
What areas are affected by the massive winter storm and what are the expected impacts?
The massive winter storm is affecting areas from Oklahoma City to Virginia Beach, with winter storm warnings in place across multiple states. The Ozarks have already received 4-5 inches of snow, and the storm is moving east along I-40, reaching Nashville in the early morning hours, creating difficult commuting conditions. As it progresses eastward, Norfolk and Virginia Beach will experience problems with sleet and freezing rain. Areas south of there along I-95 will face hazardous conditions. The storm brings record cold temperatures from Baton Rouge to Omaha, affecting approximately 100 million Americans across 25 states.
Watch clip answer (00:39m)ABC News
01:51 - 02:31
What is the path and timeline of the winter storm affecting millions of Americans?
The winter storm is moving from Oklahoma City to Virginia Beach with warnings posted along this route. After dropping 4-5 inches in northeastern Oklahoma and Arkansas, the storm will track along I-40 tonight, reaching Nashville in the early morning hours. By afternoon, it will blast eastward toward Norfolk and Virginia Beach, with areas north and east of Raleigh experiencing sleet and freezing rain problems. The storm brings challenging travel conditions, particularly along I-95. While most of the storm's activity will be gone by Thursday, it will leave behind record cold temperatures affecting a wide area from Baton Rouge up to Omaha.
Watch clip answer (00:35m)
ABC News
01:55 - 02:31
What is happening in Oklahoma City due to the winter storm?
In Oklahoma City, freezing rain has transformed roads into dangerous ice rinks, making driving extremely hazardous. The severe conditions have led to numerous wrecks across the heartland as a massive winter storm impacts the country. A striking example showed a Lowe's truck spinning completely around and fishtailing on the icy roads before it could regain traction, illustrating the treacherous driving conditions residents are facing.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)ABC News
00:32 - 00:47
How extensive is the winter storm affecting the United States?
The winter storm is affecting at least 20 states, stretching from Louisiana to southern Delaware as it moves eastward. The severe weather system has prompted snow and ice alerts across this extensive region, creating hazardous conditions throughout multiple states. Record cold temperatures are already being reported in many areas, compounding the dangers posed by the winter storm. The situation is serious enough that states like North Carolina have declared states of emergency to address the impacts of this significant winter weather event.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)
ABC News
00:00 - 00:10