A massive winter storm advancing across the southern and eastern United States is expected to affect more than 160 million people, with some estimates placing the figure above 180 million, as authorities warn of snow, ice, and life-threatening cold conditions.
The system began forming over the Southern Rockies on Friday and is forecast to move slowly eastward through the Plains, the Mid-Atlantic, and into the Northeast over the weekend.
Meteorologists warned that the storm’s combination of heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and plunging temperatures could severely disrupt travel, power supplies, and daily life across large portions of the country.
More than 800 flights were already delayed or cancelled in advance of the storm, with major hubs including Dallas, Atlanta, and Oklahoma City reporting disruptions.
Emergency declarations were issued in at least 14 states, allowing officials to mobilize resources and prepare for prolonged impacts.
The National Weather Service said the storm could deliver up to a foot of snow across a broad corridor stretching from the Southern Plains to cities including Washington, DC, New York, and Boston.
Forecasters warned that freezing rain and sleet would create particularly hazardous conditions in southern states less accustomed to winter weather.
“Travel is going to become more and more treacherous starting late Friday afternoon and lasting through the rest of the weekend,” the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma, said.
An Arctic blast following the storm is expected to push wind chills as low as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of the Northern Plains, delaying snow and ice melt and extending risks.
Governors across affected states declared emergencies, urging residents to avoid travel and prepare for possible power outages lasting several days.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire described the response posture by saying, “It’s all hands on deck.”
Federal Emergency Management Agency officials advised residents to stock essential supplies, charge power banks, and plan for school and workplace closures.
In Virginia, Governor Abigail Spanberger urged residents not to hesitate to seek emergency assistance, including medical or police help, during the storm.
In Canada, forecasters reported that freezing temperatures were already in place, with additional snowfall expected in eastern and Atlantic regions early next week.