A powerful winter storm has swept across the eastern United States, causing significant disruptions, power outages, and at least five fatalities.

Heavy snow and freezing rain have created treacherous conditions, leaving more than 175,000 people without power and grounding over 2,400 flights.

The storm dumped up to a foot of snow in Washington, D.C., where government operations and schools were forced to shut down. Despite the adverse weather, Congress continued its scheduled session.

President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the situation and has pledged federal support to affected states, according to a White House spokesperson.

Five storm-related fatalities have been reported. In Missouri, two people were killed in separate incidents after exiting their vehicles and being struck by sliding cars. Kansas reported two deaths after a vehicle skidded off an icy highway and another fatality following a collision with a tractor-trailer.

Road conditions remain hazardous, with numerous accidents reported. Footage from Kansas shows vehicles losing control on icy roads and tractor-trailers jackknifing.

Power outages have affected residents from Missouri to Virginia, leaving over 175,000 people in the dark. Meanwhile, travel chaos ensued as more than 2,400 flights were canceled, with thousands more delayed.

Several states, including Kentucky, Missouri, Virginia, and Maryland, have declared states of emergency. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has urged residents to stay home, citing dangerous road conditions due to snow and ice.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings for potential thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes in southeastern states. Heavy ice accumulation and strong winds are expected to cause widespread tree damage and prolonged power outages.

Temperatures are predicted to plunge below zero degrees Fahrenheit in some areas, with strong winds intensifying the risks. The U.S. Gulf Coast is also bracing for a dramatic drop in temperatures, far below seasonal norms.

Scientists attribute the increasing frequency and severity of such extreme weather events to human-induced climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for climate action.

The Appalachian mountain region, still recovering from a devastating hurricane in September, is particularly vulnerable to the storm's effects. Emergency crews across affected states are working to restore power, clear roads, and assist stranded residents.

Authorities continue to urge caution as the storm progresses, warning that dangerous conditions could persist for several days. (ILKHA)