Snow storm hammers eastern U.S.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- An Alberta Clipper dropped as much as 6 inches of snow across the mid-Atlantic early Monday, closing schools and clogging traffic across the region.

Public schools in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia were shut down as the snow, plus sleet and icy rain swept in from the Midwest and the plains before dawn Monday, the Washington Post reported.

Commuters faced drives twice as long as usual, authorities reported.

The federal government remained open, operating on an unscheduled leave policy. Local governments announced liberal leave policies. Metro buses were operating on major routes but not on side streets. Metrorail was reported operating normally.

In the central portion of the nation, snow was widespread over northeastern Kansas, eastern Nebraska, eastern South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota Monday morning. Accumulations of up to 6 inches were likely from extreme eastern Nebraska northeastward through Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The National Weather Service reported heavy freezing rain moving northeastward through the Carolinas Monday, setting the stage for a damaging ice storm in the central portions of both North and South Carolina.

Travel may become impossible and power outages widespread as heavy ice accumulates rapidly on roads and power lines. The icy onslaught should end during the overnight hours.