Dangerous, powerful winter storm gains strength over Midwest

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First job in this Fox News alert we are tracking a powerful and massive winter storm that is gaining strength right now as it barrels across the central plains and the midwest.

It's a brand new hour of happening now welcome I'm John Scott is a big -- -- -- that's for sure hi everybody and -- -- and millions are bracing for what some could fear.

It's gonna be the worst storm in two years the -- already blamed for one death winter warnings and watches have been issued from New Mexico all the way to Virginia.

And this is a scene in Kansas snow and freezing rain making for dangerous driving conditions there are several accidents reported an area roadways to be careful if you're out there.

Also the snow throwing golfers for a loop in Arizona of -- places officials forced to suspend the first round.

I have a major golf tournament.

For obvious reasons as you can see on your screen several schools -- -- reporting closure as well.

Folks in Missouri could get the worst of this storm is dumping huge amounts of snow in the northern part of the state.

And dangerous sleet and ice in the south big concerns over what this means for power lines of course as they get -- And the storm gets worst.

Claudia -- is in the middle of it.

In Kansas City, Missouri -- Yet -- Kansas City where the mayor has declared a state of emergency because as you can see it is dumping.

And snow removal teams simply cannot keep up we've -- about.

Six inches of snow in the past couple of hours including a thunder and lightning and as -- many had feared we are seeing scattered power outages.

And the Thursday morning commute -- it was just a mess with numerous reports.

Of accidents and spin -- you know the folks in this region have not seen these severe winter storm conditions for the past couple of years.

And now many are spending the morning digging out.

And trying not to slip.

Meantime public works crews are towing away stranded cars getting them off the roads are also trying to treat the streets.

With sand and salt solutions to combat the icy slush.

And now snowplows.

Are really trying to stay ahead of the mess and keep up with an estimated snowfall of about two inches an hour take -- -- Report makes all the difference from them what these sooner you can get in there and the -- you can actually.

Get things on the -- on the -- surface of the snow doesn't stick or what does stick -- easily moved away.

Be easier things are going to be.

All public schools and many businesses are closed today take a look at downtown here it's a virtual ghost town.

The Kansas City airport just closed as well because the snow removal teams there -- trying to keep at least one runway open.

They couldn't see each other through the blinding snow so that airport is closed at least until tonight.

A Jana and John you know along with the ice and the slush white out conditions also a big concern.

Transportation officials in Kansas now reporting zero visibility from the Oklahoma border to what you talk.

And generally just ask.

-- folks to stay off the roads wise advice today.

You it is really coming down -- we can see that pressure Claudia thank you very much and.

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Dangerous, powerful winter storm gains strength over Midwest

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