A significant winter storm is set to impact much of the U.S. this weekend, stretching from Central Texas to the Northeast. According to the National Weather Service, heavy snow, freezing rain, and sleet will hit the Southern Plains and Mid-South starting Friday and continue across the East Coast throughout the weekend.
Officials are warning of dangerous travel conditions, potential power outages, and tree damage due to the storm. A mix of cold air from Canada and warmer air from the south will result in substantial snow and ice accumulation. This could lead to wind chills falling below negative 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the Northern Plains and below zero for areas stretching from Texas to North Carolina.
The storm is anticipated to be one of the most severe widespread winter events the country has faced in recent years, with more than 20 states under winter storm warnings. Jason Furtado, a meteorology associate professor at the University of Oklahoma, noted that snow and ice will push into regions like Texas and Oklahoma, extending even to parts of Georgia.
In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has activated emergency resources in anticipation of this week’s storm. “We’re ensuring Texans have the resources needed to prepare for severe winter weather,” Abbott announced. In contrast to the historic storm of February 2021, which left much of Texas without power for days, local meteorologist Allison Prater assured that the current freezing conditions won’t last as long or be as extreme. Back in 2021, there were at least 246 confirmed deaths linked to the winter storm.
However, Ed Hirs, an energy expert from the University of Houston, warns that the cold snap could still create problems for the state’s power grid. While it is more resilient than before, issues in one area could disrupt power in others. “A problem in Austin could lead to failures as far away as Dallas or Houston,” Hirs explained.
In neighboring states, preparations are underway. Georgia’s Governor Brian Kemp urged residents to secure essential supplies in anticipation of the storm. Similarly, North Carolina’s Governor Josh Stein has issued a state of emergency and directed residents to the state’s emergency information website for guidance.
Emergency services in Tennessee spotlight ice as a significant concern, predicting hazardous conditions that could lead to travel disruptions and power outages for days. Meteorologist Charles Dalton indicated, “Whatever follows this weekend is likely to stick with us for a few days into the early part of next week.”
As social media continues to react, residents across the affected regions are sharing their plans for winter preparation, emphasizing the importance of having food and gas supplies ready, and staying informed about weather updates.
With serious weather events like this, it’s crucial for everyone to heed warnings from local officials. Although the storm’s impact may change as it develops, early preparation is key to staying safe during these extreme conditions.
For live updates and forecasts, you can check the National Weather Service or your local news stations.
