Massive winter storm expected to dump snow and ice across US
A powerful blast of cold air from the Arctic is expected to sweep across much of the United States, bringing snow and ice to nearly 30 states and affecting nearly 160 million people, forecasters warn.
The cold front is expected to intensify in the Southwest on Thursday, before extending to the East Coast over the weekend.
Meteorologists say temperatures could drop well below freezing in some areas as frigid air from the north, known as the Polar Vortex, settles over the country.
Transportation officials, including airport authorities in several major cities, are warning travelers to prepare for significant delays due to severe winter conditions.
The weather system is expected to take shape in Texas and New Mexico before moving east, blanketing cities like Memphis, Nashville, Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York with snow.
Forecasters say interior Plains states could see temperatures drop to -40°F (-40°C) or even lower. The Rocky Mountain states can expect to see large amounts of snow by Friday.
Although it is still too early to predict exact snowfall totals in urban areas, some places are expected to receive more than 30 cm, according to weather experts.
States further south could experience freezing rain, which could cover trees with ice and weigh them down, possibly leading to power outages.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that wind chills could reach well below average, creating conditions where exposed skin could suffer frostbite within minutes.
“With the extremely cold temperatures, expect prolonged snow and ice impacts, which may include hazardous travel conditions, power outages, damaged trees, snow-covered roads and reduced visibility,” the NWS said in its forecast.
Governors in several states, including Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina, declared states of emergency, allowing emergency managers — including National Guard troops — to begin mobilizing response efforts.
“Based on current forecasts, the State of Texas is taking action to ensure Texans have the resources they need before severe winter weather impacts communities across Texas,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in a statement.
The warnings come amid memories of the frigid winter storm that hit Texas in 2021, knocking out the energy grid and leaving millions of residents without power for several days.
Authorities warn that cold temperatures could again cause pipes to freeze and then burst.
Roads could also be blocked for days, particularly in southern states where de-icing equipment is limited.
Cold temperatures are expected to persist into next week.
