On Sunday, a disruptive winter storm that might bring the "heaviest snowfall in a decade" to some portions of the central U.S. caused dangerous travel conditions due to a blast of snow, ice, wind, and freezing temperatures.

Major roads throughout almost all of Kansas, western Nebraska, and portions of Indiana were covered in snow and ice, prompting the state's National Guard to be called in to assist any stuck travellers. The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings for Kansas and Missouri, where blizzard conditions brought wind gusts of up to 45 miles per hour (72.42 km per hour), and predicted at least 8 inches of snow, especially north of Interstate 70. New Jersey was also under the warning for Monday and the first part of Tuesday.

The meteorological service warned early Sunday that it might be the most snowfall in at least ten years in areas of this region that get the most snowfall.  According to Bob Oravec of the National Weather Service, 63 million Americans were under a winter weather advisory, watch, or warning on Sunday.

Parts of Interstate 64, Interstate 69, and U.S. Route 41 were completely buried with snow in Indiana, and Indiana State Police urged drivers to avoid the roadways while machines attempted to keep up with the rate of the precipitation.  The roads are fully covered again in half an hour after the snow ploughs pass through, according to Sgt. Todd Ringle. "It is snowing so heavily," he said.

Meteorologists attribute the storm’s intensity to a polar vortex, a mass of cold air usually confined to the Arctic that has shifted southward due to unusual jet stream patterns. Experts caution that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, potentially linked to climate change.

The storm is expected to move eastward in the coming days, threatening additional regions with freezing rain, sleet, and snow. Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed and follow instructions from local authorities.

As the U.S. braces for continued disruptions, community efforts and resilience remain key in weathering this unprecedented winter storm.