• State of emergency declared in multiple states as snowfall intensifies
• Govt offices in Washington closed; widespread school closures, delays across region

WASHINGTON: The snow could be heard before it was seen — falling with urgency, muffling the city, softening the hard edges of streets and rooftops.

A streetlamp blinked through the white, uncertain. A silhouette lingered at the corner — a snowman, perhaps, or a trick of shadow. Footprints appeared and vanished almost instantly, swallowed by fresh layers. The city seemed to exhale, and for a moment, nothing moved.

From the Mid-Atlantic to New England, states of emergency were declared as a powerful winter storm spread north and east, forcing the closure of government offices and schools, disrupting transportation and straining power supplies.

In Washington, federal government offices were ordered to remain closed on Monday following a weekend shutdown, with officials warning that closures could extend into Tuesday. Widespread school cancellations and delays were also expected across the region, many already announced by Sunday evening.

Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of emergency as snowfall intensified and temperatures plunged. Residents were advised to stay home except in emergencies, citing hazardous road conditions caused by sleet, ice accumulation, and sustained sub-freezing temperatures.

Public schools issued special instructions urging parents to keep children off untreated roads and pavements, warning that even short walks had become dangerous.

Similar measures were announced further north. In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul cautioned that the storm could bring some of the heaviest snowfall of the season, particularly in upstate regions, with significant disruption expected in and around New York City.

Meteorologists said the storm was being driven by an Arctic air mass colliding with moisture-laden Atlantic systems — a volatile combination producing not only snow, but sleet and freezing rain. The mix has proven especially treacherous, turning highways into sheets of ice, increasing the risk of accidents.

Authorities reported hundreds of weather-related road incidents across several states. Officials repeatedly urged residents to avoid non-essential travel, warning that even emergency responders faced delays reaching those in need.

The storm has taken a heavy toll on infrastructure. More than 500,000 homes and businesses were without electricity by late Sunday after snow and ice brought down power lines and tree branches. Utility crews were deployed across affected regions, though companies warned restoration efforts could take days.

Air and rail travel was severely disrupted. Thousands of flights were cancelled nationwide. Rail operators reported delays and suspensions on several routes, while key interstate highways were closed or restricted due to poor visibility.

Beyond the measurable damage lay quieter disruptions. Grocery store shelves emptied quickly as residents prepared for prolonged confinement.

Heating shelters were opened in multiple states to protect people experiencing homelessness from exposure. Health officials warned of heightened risks of frostbite and hypothermia, particularly among the elderly and children.

Meteorologists said the storm’s impact would extend well beyond the snowfall itself.

National Guard units were placed on standby in several states to assist with emergency transport and recovery operations.

Published in Dawn, January 26th, 2026