Jump to content

January 5–6, 2025 United States blizzard

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
January 5–6, 2025 United States blizzard
Satellite image of the blizzard over the High Plains on January 5
Meteorological history
FormedJanuary 3, 2025
Exited landJanuary 7, 2025
DissipatedCurrently active
Blizzard
Lowest pressure980 hPa (mbar); 28.94 inHg
Maximum snowfall or ice accretionSnowfall – 20.5 in (52 cm) in Chapman, Kansas
Ice – 0.79 in (20 mm) near Burnt Chimney, Virginia
Tornado outbreak
Tornadoes8
Maximum ratingEF2 tornado
DurationJanuary 3–6, 2025
Highest windsTornadic – 132 mph (212 km/h) (Dean, Louisiana EF2 on January 6)
Largest hail1 inch (2.5 cm) in Chatham, Mississippi
Overall effects
Fatalities4 [1]
Injuries27[2]
DamageUnknown
Areas affectedPacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, High Plains, Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic states
Power outages>365,000
Part of the 2024–25 North American winter

The January 5–6, 2025 United States blizzard was a significant and expansive winter weather event that produced blizzard conditions across the High Plains,[3] as well as a long swath of accumulating snow and and ice storm to the eastern half of the United States in early January 2025. The system was unofficially nicknamed Winter Storm Blair by The Weather Channel.[4][5]

Beginning on January 3, 2025, the system first made landfall along the northern West Coast of the United States before tracking southeastward, bringing severe winter conditions to multiple regions and prompting numerous state emergency declarations. The storm system also produced 2025's first tornado, which touched down in northern California.[6][7]

Meteorological history

[edit]

On January 2, 2025, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a forecast that warned of an approaching major winter storm expected to impact several regions of the continental United States, describing it as a "brutal mess". The NWS forecast outlined expectations for heavy snowfall and significant icing across several geographical regions, ranging from the central Great Plains to the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys, before reaching the Mid-Atlantic region. The forecast predicted 60-90 percent chance of accumulations reaching at least 6 in (15 cm) in the central Great Plains and central Mississippi Valley regions, and a significant icing event primarily impacting eastern Kansas through the Ozarks before impacting the lower Ohio and Tennessee Valleys and the southern Appalachians.[8] The system itself originated in the Northeast Pacific Ocean, and first made landfall during the afternoon on January 3 along the West Coast of the United States.[9]

By January 4, a low-pressure system organized over the Texas Panhandle region and Oklahoma. This system interacted with below-average temperatures already established across the Central Plains and Midwest. A "potent" mid-level low was forecast to track from Kansas to Virginia and North Carolina over a 48-hour period. The system's warm side was predicted to generate severe thunderstorm conditions across the Lower Mississippi Valley, causing the Storm Prediction Center to issue an Enhanced Risk (level 3 of 5) from northeastern Louisiana into western Mississippi for January 5, with potential for tornadoes, large hail, and damaging straight-line winds.[10]

Preparations

[edit]
Map highlighting active weather alerts across the United States on the evening of January 4

Major U.S. airlines, including United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, implemented fee waivers for flight changes during the event.[11]

Winter storm advisories issued by the NWS throughout January 3 extended approximately 1,500 mi (2,400 km) from western Kansas to West Virginia, marking one of the most extensive winter weather warning areas in the 2024-25 North American winter season up to the beginning of 2025.[11]

High Plains

[edit]

On January 4, the NWS issued a blizzard warning for eastern Kansas and in western Missouri, including the northern Kansas City metropolitan area. The warning was later extended to central Kansas and southern Nebraska.[12][13]

Midwest

[edit]

Meteorologist for Fox Weather Bob Van Dillen expressed warnings for freezing rain across the Midwest, which he stated would likely bring down several power lines and cause widespread power outages when coupled with wind estimates of 20–30 mph (32–48 km/h). He also warned of a weakening polar jet stream resulting in a polar vortex that could potentially move Arctic air as far south as the Mississippi Valley.[14]

Ohio Valley

[edit]

On 4 January, Governor of Kentucky Andy Beshear issued a state of emergency in anticipation of dangerous road conditions, widespread power outages, and sustained freezing temperatures.[15] The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet issued warnings for residents to avoid road travel due to projected hazardous conditions brought on by freezing rain and icing.[16] The Christian Wayside Mission and the Salvation Army in Louisville opened warming shelters for the homeless.[17]

On 5 January, Governor of West Virginia Jim Justice issued a state of emergency in all 55 counties of the state.[18]

Following snow warnings of 6–12 in (15–30 cm), Jacksonville and South Jacksonville, IL, issued snow emergencies, and emphasized that vehicles parked on emergency snow routes would be towed.[19]

Mid-Atlantic

[edit]

Governor of Virginia Glenn Youngkin issued a state of emergency on 3 January.[20]

Multiple Maryland school districts issued schedule changes for students in order to avoid severe weather.[14][21] Governor of Maryland Wes Moore issued a State of Preparedness extending from 5–6 January.[22] Schools in Philadelphia closed on January 6 due to the snow.[23]

The NWS issued winter storm warnings for Northern Virginia, central Maryland, and the Washington D.C. area at 3:54 pm EST on 4 January,[24] with the predicted impact extending over 2,100 miles (3,400 kilometers).[25]

Impact

[edit]
Maximum snow, ice, and sleet accumulations by U.S. state according to the National Weather Service.[26]
State Maximum snow Maximum ice Maximum sleet
Delaware 8.2 inches (21 cm) — —
Washington D.C. 5.0 inches (13 cm) — —
Illinois 9.5 inches (24 cm) 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) 2.0 inches (5.1 cm)
Indiana 12.0 inches (30 cm) 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) —
Kansas 20.5 inches (52 cm) 0.66 inches (1.7 cm) —
Kentucky 9.0 inches (23 cm) 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) —
Maryland 8.7 inches (22 cm) — —
Missouri 13.0 inches (33 cm) 0.63 inches (1.6 cm) 4.0 inches (10 cm)
Nebraska 12.0 inches (30 cm) — —
New Jersey 5.0 inches (13 cm) — —
North Carolina — 0.1 inches (0.25 cm) —
Ohio 10.0 inches (25 cm) — —
Virginia 8.5 inches (22 cm) 0.4 inches (1.0 cm) —
West Virginia 11.0 inches (28 cm) 0.52 inches (1.3 cm) —

West

[edit]

After making landfall along the northern West Coast of the continental United States, valley areas in Eastern Washington experienced freezing rain during the afternoon and evening of 3 January, while widespread snowfall accumulated in mountainous regions across Washington and Montana.[27]

In Northern California, the winter storm system produced a tornado near Paynes Creek and Shingletown, which FOX Weather reported was the first United States tornado in 2025.[6][7] The tornado was confirmed by the National Weather Service's Sacramento office at approximately 5:30 pm PST who issued a tornado warning for Shasta and Tehama counties, and was captured on video by a University of California, San Diego camera. The tornado resulted in no reported damage or injuries. The winter storm also brought heavy snow and strong winds to the northern California region, and produced quarter-size hail at higher elevations.[7]

Travel advisories were issued in Montana due to heavy snowfall in mountainous areas in conjunction with strong wind gusts.[27] Nearly all regions of Montana were impacted by heavy snowfall, with cold weather advisories issued across northeast Montana.[28][29]

High Plains

[edit]
Wide swath of snowfall from the blizzard that struck the central U.S. on January 5-6, 2025

On 4 January, Utah was impacted by a "potent but quick moving cold front" that brought snowfall and 50 mph wind gusts in the Wasatch Front region, leading to travel advisories along several international and state highways in central and northern Utah.[30] Freezing rain fell in Kansas and Missouri, which led to road icing and several traffic accidents, including a vehicle rollover on U.S. Route 54 in Wichita and several more near Salina.[31][32] Governor of Kansas Laura Kelly issued a state of disaster emergency amid the storm's precipitation causing several traffic collisions and road closures.[33]

During the afternoon, the Kansas City Chiefs were delayed a few hours from departing the Kansas City International Airport due to airport closure by NOTAM, as a result of the winter storm producing freezing drizzle on the airfield.[34] This came before their game against the Denver Broncos the next day.[35][36]

On 5 January, a woman was found deceased in Kansas City after being reported missing the prior day as severe winter weather impacted the region.[37] The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that one person was killed and another injured due to road icing, after their vehicle collided with a jackknifed trailer while driving eastbound on U.S. Route 56.[38]

Midwest

[edit]
The winter storm in Monroe County, Indiana on January 4

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport received eight inches of snowfall— a record amount— leading to dozens of cancelled flights.[39]

On 6 January, the Indiana State Police stated that they received reports of 259 vehicle collisions and reports of 271 vehicles that had slid off roadways. The Indianapolis District state police reported that 151 crashes were reported— of which 12 resulted in injuries— and that they had to respond to 100 disabled or stuck vehicles.[39]

At 6:30 PM EST on 5 January, readings from PowerOutage.us indicated that 41,284 customers were suffering from power outages, with the most present in Warren and Henderson County.[40] On 6 January, half of Magoffin County customers were without power due to downed power lines.[39]

East Coast

[edit]

On 6 January, the Maryland State Police reported that they had received 475 service calls between 1 AM EST to midday, which included 156 unattended vehicles and 123 crashes.[39] Baltimore received 6.6 in (17 cm) of snow, which was the biggest snowfall there in three years.[41]

Virginia State Police reported 248 crashes requiring their response, noting that not all accidents were necessarily related to the winter storm.[39] Reagan National Airport shut down their runways late on January 6 due to the snowfall.[42] In Richmond, Virginia, a boil water advisory was put in place due to impacts to the water facilities during the storm.[43]

On both 6 and 7 January, the United States Office of Personnel Management closed federal offices in the Washington DC area and put maximum telework for employees in effect.[44]

The storm impacted infrastructure in the Greater Richmond Region in Virginia; power was impacted in Richmond[45] and Henrico.[46] However, a boil water advisory was later issued in Hanover County, for residents east of Interstate 95.[47]

Across the Delaware Valley, accumulations were heaviest across the southern parts of the region, with only 1.8 in (4.6 cm) of snow in Philadelphia.[48] At Philadelphia International Airport, over 380 flights were delayed, and 80 were cancelled.[49]

Severe weather

[edit]

The winter storm also brought severe weather across the country, primarily in the Southeast with at least two confirmed tornadoes so far as of January 6.

Confirmed tornadoes by Enhanced Fujita rating
EFU EF0 EF1 EF2 EF3 EF4 EF5 Total
2 0 4 2 0 0 0 8

January 3 event

[edit]
List of confirmed tornadoes – Friday, January 3, 2025[a]
EF# Location County / Parish State Start Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Max width
EFU NE of Bend Tehama CA 40°20′15″N 122°05′24″W / 40.3374°N 122.0899°W / 40.3374; -122.0899 (Bend (Jan. 3, EFU)) 03:18–03:21 0.8 mi (1.3 km) [to be determined]
A short-lived tornado touched down with no reported damage.[50][51]

January 5 event

[edit]
List of confirmed tornadoes – Sunday, January 5, 2025[a]
EF# Location County / Parish State Start Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Max width
EFU SE Lincoln County Lincoln AR [to be determined] ~20:05 [to be determined] [to be determined]
A tornado was spotted in southeast Lincoln County as it damaged trees, roofs, and a chicken house.[52]
EF2 SE of Marion to E of Dean Union LA 32°52′N 92°11′W / 32.86°N 92.19°W / 32.86; -92.19 (Marion-Dean (Jan. 5, EF2)) 20:19-20:28 4.63 mi (7.45 km) 650 yd (595 m)
This high-end EF2 tornado began on Cable Lane Road, southeast of Marion at approximately 12:19 pm CST. The tornado then continued to move northeast, crossing Boothville Road while snapping numerous tree branches and tree trunks, some of which covered the roadway. The tornado reached Earnest Pace Road, where a trailer was lifted and blown off of its foundation, with associated debris also being blown across the road. Extensive vehicle damage was also noted in this area. The tornado continued to move northeast, producing damage along Jurd Pardue Road, where several homes also experienced damage to roofs and carports. The tornado then crossed Dean Church Road where the most extensive damage was found. A local shop collapsed and was then blown off of its foundation at high-end EF2 intensity. The tornado then moved along Parish Road 2260, producing damage to another home's roof and nearby sheds before lifting into the Upper Quachita Wildlife Refuge.[50]
EF1 NE of Gibson Monroe MS 33°52′N 88°37′W / 33.86°N 88.62°W / 33.86; -88.62 (Monroe County (Jan. 5, EF1)) 23:08-23:09 0.69 mi (1.1 km) 120 yd (110 m)
This tornado touched down briefly, tracking a short distance and causing minor damage.[50]
EF1 W of Pelahatchie Rankin MS 32°15′N 89°55′W / 32.25°N 89.92°W / 32.25; -89.92 (Pelahatchie (Jan. 5, EF1)) 23:11-23:28 11.14 mi (17.93 km) 150 yd (140 m)
This tornado uprooted and snapped many trees, downed some power lines, and caused damage to chicken houses and roofs in the area. One indirect injury was caused as a train ran into a downed tree.[50]
EF1 SE of Louisville Winston MS 33°05′N 88°58′W / 33.09°N 88.97°W / 33.09; -88.97 (Winston County (Jan. 5, EF1)) 23:40-23:47 4.27 mi (6.87 km) 250 yd (230 m)
This tornado snapped many trees and caused roof damage to buildings, causing extensive damage to a gas station in Boon. It ended just northeast of Highway 14.[50]
EF1 N of Carrollton Pickens AL 33°17′N 88°10′W / 33.29°N 88.17°W / 33.29; -88.17 (Pine Groves Road (Jan. 5, EF1)) 00:53-01:02 6.94 mi (11.17 km) 300 yd (275 m)
This tornado damaged roofs and uprooted several trees, indirectly knocking over power lines in a rural area.[53][50]
EF2 N of Brooksville Noxubee MS 33°14′N 88°35′W / 33.24°N 88.59°W / 33.24; -88.59 (Brooksville (Jan. 5, EF2)) 02:11–02:16 3.44 mi (5.54 km) 500 yd (460 m)
A strong tornado snapped numerous trees and power poles as it crossed US 45. A pivot was overturned.[50]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b All dates are based on the local time zone where the tornado touched down; however, all times are in Coordinated Universal Time for consistency.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Winter storm live updates: At least 4 dead as heavy snow and ice create dire travel conditions". NBC News. 2025-01-06. Retrieved 2025-01-06.
  2. ^ "Missouri State Highway Patrol shares winter storm crash numbers". KYTV. 5 January 2025. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  3. ^ "KSHB 41 Weather | Blizzard conditions Sunday in Kansas City". KSHB 41 Kansas City News. 2025-01-04. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  4. ^ "Winter Storm Blair A Major Snow And Ice Threat | Weather.com". The Weather Channel. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  5. ^ "What to know as snow, freezing rain and bitter cold heads through much of the US". AP News. 2025-01-04. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  6. ^ a b Wulfeck, Andrew (2025-01-03). "California wildfire alert camera captures video of country's first tornado of 2025". FOX Weather. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  7. ^ a b c Yoon, John (2025-01-04). "Tornado Confirmed in Northern California". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  8. ^ Edwards, Joe (2025-01-03). "Winter storm forecast worsens as meteorologists warn of "brutal mess"". Newsweek. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  9. ^ "NWS Weather Prediction Center". Twitter/X. 3 January 2025. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
  10. ^ "WPC's Short Range Public Discussion". www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov. 4 January 2025. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
  11. ^ a b "Powerful winter storm to bring snowy, icy conditions to Midwest, Mid-Atlantic - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. 2025-01-03. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  12. ^ "Update: Blizzard warning issued for the Kansas City area for Sunday and Monday, according to the NWS". The Kansas City Star. 4 January 2025. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  13. ^ "Winter Storm Forecast". KAKE. 2025-01-05. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  14. ^ a b Castro, Amanda (2025-01-03). "Hazardous conditions expected as winter storm to hit Nebraska, Iowa". Newsweek. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  15. ^ "Gov. Beshear issues State of Emergency ahead of winter storm | NewsRadio 1230 AM/99.3 FM | Hopkinsville's News Leader | Hopkinsville, Kentucky". whopam.com. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  16. ^ "KYTC District 8 Crews Prepared for Significant Winter Storm". THE WAVE. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  17. ^ Johnson, Marina. "These Louisville warming centers, shelters will be open this weekend". The Courier-Journal. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  18. ^ SCHAFFER, MATTHEW (2025-01-05). "Justice declares state of emergency in all W.Va. counties ahead of winter storm". WCHS. Retrieved 2025-01-06.
  19. ^ Bauer, David C.L. (3 January 2025). "Snow emergencies declared in Jacksonville, South Jacksonville as winter storm approaches". My Journal Courier. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
  20. ^ "Governor Youngkin declares state of emergency ahead of winter storm". WSLS. 2025-01-03. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  21. ^ Lumpkin, Lauren; Asbury, Nicole (4 January 2025). "A snow day? Delay? How D.C.-area schools will make the call in bad weather". The Washington Post. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
  22. ^ Buckheit, Ellie (2025-01-04). "Gov. Wes Moore declares State of Preparedness for Maryland snowstorm starting January 5". WBFF. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  23. ^ "A winter storm will drop up to 4 inches of snow across the Philly area Monday. Here's what to know". WHYY. January 7, 2025. Retrieved January 6, 2025.
  24. ^ "DEVELOPING: Winter Storm Warning issued for Arlington and region | ARLnow.com". www.arlnow.com. 2025-01-04. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  25. ^ Oberholtz, Chris (2025-01-01). "Winter Storm spanning over 2,100 miles to blast heavy snow, hazardous ice from central Plains to mid-Atlantic". FOX Weather. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  26. ^ Asherman, Jacob (6 January 2025). "Storm Summary Number 3 for Central Plains to Mid-Atlantic Winter Storm" (Press release). Iowa Environmental Mesonet. College Park, Maryland: Weather Prediction Center. Archived from the original on 6 January 2025. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  27. ^ a b Forecaster, Jenny Power, NonStop Local Weather (2025-01-03). "Freezing rain and snow hit Eastern Washington and Montana". NonStop Local Billings. Retrieved 2025-01-04.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  28. ^ "No Dry January for Montana". KTVH. 2025-01-04. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  29. ^ Smith, Tracy (2025-01-03). "Widespread accumulating snow will lead to slick roads and areas of low visibility through the weekend". NonStop Local Montana. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  30. ^ Bittan, Ryan (4 January 2025). "WEATHER ADVISORY: Winter storm hitting Utah through Saturday evening". ABC4. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  31. ^ "Millions Brace For A Winter Wallop As Storm Blair Brings Major Snow And Ice Threat | Weather.com". The Weather Channel. Archived from the original on 2025-01-04. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  32. ^ "Drivers skid and crash as wintry mix grips central US before moving east". AP News. 2025-01-04. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  33. ^ Seckington, Dillon (4 January 2025). "Kansas Gov. Kelly issues state of disaster for severe winter storm". FOX 4 Kansas City. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  34. ^ SKRETTA, (Associated Press), DAVE (2025-01-04). "Chiefs stranded in KC as ice shuts down airport and blizzard-like conditions sweep through Midwest". www.KXAN.com. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  35. ^ Davis, JoBeth (2025-01-04). "KCI closed due to 'rapid ice accumulation,' Kansas City Chiefs charter plane stranded at airport". KMBC. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  36. ^ Stumbaugh, Julia. "Chiefs Plane 'Stranded' at KC Airport Due to Icy Conditions Ahead of Broncos Game". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  37. ^ Motter, Sarah (2025-01-05). "Investigation opened as missing woman found deceased during winter storm". kctv5.com. Retrieved 2025-01-06.
  38. ^ "One dead, one injured in Ford County crash". KAKE. 2025-01-05. Retrieved 2025-01-06.
  39. ^ a b c d e "Winter storm live updates: Heavy snow and ice create dangerous conditions across the U.S." AP News. Retrieved 2025-01-06.
  40. ^ Goins, Madylin (5 January 2025). "Tracking power outages: Winter storm knocks out power as it sweeps through the bluegrass". FOX 56. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
  41. ^ "Baltimore saw its biggest snowfall in 3 years. Here's how much snow Maryland got". CBS News. January 7, 2025. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  42. ^ "Winter Storm: Widespread Power Outages, Travel Delays, Multiple Dead". The Weather Channel. January 7, 2025. Retrieved January 7 2025. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  43. ^ "Water boil advisory in effect for Richmond, Virginia, after storm impacts treatment plant". ABC News. January 7, 2025. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  44. ^ "Washington, DC Area Applies to: Tuesday, January 7, 2025". Current Status. Washington DC: United States Office of Personnel Management. 7 January 2025. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  45. ^ "City of Richmond Issues Immediate Boil Water Advisory and Strongly Encourages Residents to Limit Water Usage | Richmond". www.rva.gov. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  46. ^ "More than 7,700 Henrico customers remain without power following winter storm". Henrico Citizen. 2025-01-06. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  47. ^ Team, 12 On Your Side Digital (2025-01-07). "Part of Hanover County under 'boil water' advisory". NBC 12. Retrieved 2025-01-07.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  48. ^ "SNOW TOTALS: HERE'S HOW MUCH SNOW HAS FALLEN IN THE PHILADELPHIA REGION DURING MONDAY'S STORM". ABC 6 News. January 6, 2025. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  49. ^ "Philadelphia International Airport Winter Storm Leads to Severe Flight Cancellations and Delays, Disrupting Travel Plans Across the US". Travel Tour and World. January 7, 2025. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  50. ^ a b c d e f g Various National Weather Service offices (2025). "Damage Assessment Toolkit" (Interactive map and database). DAT. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
  51. ^ "January 3rd, 2025 Tornado Event". Iowa Environmental Mesonet. Sacramento, California: National Weather Service. 4 January 2025. Archived from the original on 4 January 2025. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  52. ^ Counts, Chris (5 January 2025). "VIDEO: Firefighter captures video of first Arkansas tornado of 2025". KARK-TV.
  53. ^ "NWS Birmingham Damage Survey found EF-1 tornado damage from last night in Pickens County with estimated max winds of 90 mph. More details to be released later this afternoon as a public information statement". Retrieved 6 January 2025.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=January_5–6,_2025_United_States_blizzard&oldid=1268031899"