Winter came in strong this year. Just days into the season, it has already formed what some meteorologists are calling a “once-in-a-generation storm.”
Fifteen deaths have already been reported since Wednesday, including four who died in a massive Ohio highway pileup that involved 46 cars, PEOPLE said.
1.6 million homes and businesses have lost power due to the winter storm.
Two other car accidents—one in Kansas and another in Missouri—were the cause of death for four others.
“This is a stark reminder of what can happen when you get behind the wheel and try to drive in bad weather conditions,” Ohio State Highway Patrol Sgt. Ryan Purpura said in a video posted to Twitter.
“High winds are still remaining, and white-out conditions are still persistent,” Purpura added. “We ask that you do not travel unless you absolutely have to. If you do have to travel, we ask that you take precautions, take it slow, be patient, wear your seatbelt and increase your following distance.”
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed the deaths of three people due to stormy conditions. Two people died in car crashes while a man was found dead outside due to the freezing temperatures in Louisville, Kentucky.
On Thursday, more than 110 million people were warned about the winter blast that impacted 37 states, according to CNN.
Parts of the Midwest and Plains will likely be expected to have their coldest Christmas in 40 years and experience “near-zero visibility and considerable blowing and drifting of snow,” the National Weather Service reported. “This will lead to dangerous, to at times impossible, land and air travel leading up to the holiday weekend.”
“I encourage everyone, everyone to please heed the local warnings,” President Joe Biden said Thursday.
“This is not like a snow day when you were a kid,” the president added, pleading with travelers to leave early if possible and to stay safe. “This is serious stuff.”
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