Key Takeaways:
- A major winter storm is expected to spread heavy snow, sleet, and ice across two dozen states starting on Friday and continuing into the weekend.
- Over 160 million people are at risk of impacts from the storm, with significant snow and ice accumulations expected in the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast.
- The storm is forecast to bring cold temperatures not seen since 2021, with "catastrophic" ice accumulation possible in parts of the Southern Plains, Lower Mississippi Valley, Tennessee Valley, the Southeast, and southern Virginia.
- At least 14 states have issued disaster or emergency declarations ahead of the storm, including Texas, Georgia, and North Carolina.
- Airlines have rolled out sweeping travel waivers, with thousands of flight cancellations expected on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
Introduction to the Winter Storm
A major winter storm is forecast to spread heavy snow, sleet, and ice across two dozen states starting on Friday and continuing into the weekend. According to the National Weather Service, this storm is expected to be unusually large and severe, with dangerously cold air affecting more than half of the US population through the weekend and into early next week. The storm will start in Texas and Oklahoma, with conditions worsening by Friday evening, and will then spread from New Mexico to Virginia on Saturday before pushing into the Northeast on Sunday.
Storm Impacts and Expectations
The combination of significant snow, ice accumulations, and frigid weather could cause power outages and icy roads to "linger longer than usual after a typical winter storm." More than 160 million people are at risk of impacts from the storm, with disruptive snowfall expected from the Southern Rocky Mountains to the Northeast and areas in the South to the southern Mid-Atlantic hit with heavy ice. The weather service noted that snowfall totals above 12 inches are likely across the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, causing travel disruptions.
States at Risk and Emergency Declarations
At least 14 states have issued disaster or emergency declarations ahead of the major storm, including Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Alabama issued a state of emergency for 19 northern counties in anticipation of the "wintery and icy forecast for the state." Maryland has declared a "state of preparedness" with the storm expected to bring accumulating snow and potential ice to the state. West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey also declared a "state of preparedness," noting that the weather service has issued a winter storm watch for most of the state from Saturday morning through Monday morning.
Hardest Hit Areas and Travel Disruptions
AccuWeather meteorologist Bob Larson told USA TODAY that there is potential for portions of Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia to receive up to 24 inches of snow or more. Local officials in these areas have urged residents to avoid traveling and prepare for possible power outages. The weather service has advised the public to stay home and off the roads during this time due to the hazardous weather conditions. Airlines have rolled out sweeping travel waivers, with thousands of flight cancellations expected on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Travel booking app Hopper estimates that upwards of 15,000 flights could be delayed due to the storm.
Preparation and Response
The National Weather Service has warned of "catastrophic" ice accumulation with freezing rain and sleet impacting parts of the Southern Plains, Lower Mississippi Valley, Tennessee Valley, the Southeast, and southern Virginia. Significant to local ice accumulations could cause long-duration power outages, extensive tree damage, and extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions. Communities from the Southern Plains to the Northeast will contend with bitterly cold temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills in the wake of the storm. Residents are advised to stay informed, prepare for the worst, and follow local forecasts and instructions from authorities to ensure their safety during this major winter storm.