A massive winter storm is sweeping across the U.S., affecting over 200 million people. With snow, sleet, and freezing rain in the forecast, the situation is raising concerns for dangerous conditions in 35 states.
Nineteen states and Washington, D.C. have declared states of emergency, leading to National Guard activations in nine of those states. The areas hardest hit include South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and parts of the Northeast.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated, “It’s the largest storm to impact this many states in decades.” To help those in need, FEMA has stockpiled millions of meals, liters of water, blankets, and generators in distribution centers across the South and East.
Forecasters predict that parts of Kentucky and Virginia could see up to two feet of snow by Monday. Major cities like New York and Boston are expected to receive between 12 and 18 inches.
The maps reveal an extensive storm system stretching from New Mexico to the Northeast. Spotty areas may receive 12 inches or more, while southern states face a dangerous mix of ice and snow. Ice is particularly hazardous, leading to power outages when it weighs down lines. According to Thomas Overbye, a professor at Texas A&M University, even a quarter-inch of ice can sag power lines or bring down trees onto them.
In some regions, ice accumulations could reach an inch. This includes Texas, Georgia, and Tennessee. Roads are already seeing slick conditions, with workers from Florida positioned in Georgia and South Carolina in anticipation of damage.
With temperatures plunging, melted snow can quickly freeze, worsening conditions. Over 43 million people are under extreme cold warnings, where temperatures could drop below 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Another 22 million are under cold watches as conditions worsen.
The National Weather Service has warned that communities impacted by the storm will face ongoing cold temperatures and wind chills, creating dangerous travel conditions.
As we navigate through this severe weather, it is crucial to prioritize safety by staying indoors and avoiding travel whenever possible.
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