Up to 20 inches of snow, dangerous ice, and extreme cold are expected to disrupt travel, power, and emergency services across much of the U.S. through the weekend.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A massive winter storm is sweeping across large portions of the United States, placing more than 180 million people under watches or warnings for snow and ice and prompting emergency declarations and travel disruptions as freezing conditions intensified.
Forecasters warn that parts of the country could see snowfall totals approaching 20 inches, while other regions face significant ice accumulation capable of crippling transportation and power infrastructure. Texas has already declared a state of emergency, with officials cautioning that power outages and emergency response delays are possible as the storm progresses.
The system began impacting the country Thursday and is expected to persist through the weekend, delivering a mix of heavy snow and freezing rain from the Central Plains to the East Coast. In eastern regions, ice-laden tree branches and power lines raise the risk of outages and hazardous road conditions, while widespread snow and ice are expected to blanket highways and bridges nationwide. Visibility may drop sharply during periods of intense snowfall, making travel particularly dangerous.
Airlines are preparing for significant disruptions. Delta has already canceled flights in five states, with thousands more cancellations possible through Monday as the storm expands.
In the Northeast, New York is expected to enter “Code Blue”, requiring shelters and social service providers to extend hours to protect vulnerable populations during extreme cold. Officials warn that black ice and downed power lines pose heightened risks, especially in rural areas where emergency crews may take longer to reach affected communities.
The National Weather Service advised that travel during the storm could be dangerous. “Your safest option is to stay home and off the roads,” the agency wrote on X. “If you MUST travel, be prepared: Tell someone your route, check conditions, keep a full tank/charge, and ensure your emergency kit is on board. Don’t risk it!”
Snow is expected across much of the country over the coming days, with several major metropolitan areas facing substantial accumulation. New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., and even parts of Austin are forecast to receive enough snow to strain travel and infrastructure. Heavy snowfall is also likely across the Midwest, the Northeast, and the Appalachian region.
The Appalachian and West Virginian mountains could see up to 20 inches of snow. New York City, Boston, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., are expected to receive between 4 and 10 inches beginning Saturday. Chicago is bracing for a deep freeze, with lows forecast at two degrees below zero Friday and Saturday and wind chills near 30 degrees below zero. In the South, areas stretching from central Virginia to North Texas could see up to half an inch of ice.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has mobilized state resources for power outages, search and rescue operations, and traffic control. Abbott has asked Texans to remain weather-aware, check DriveTexas.org before traveling, and follow guidance from state and local officials. Governors in other states, including Georgia, Arkansas, and Maryland, have taken steps to ensure additional emergency resources are available.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has encouraged residents to shelter in place, heed travel advisories, and stock up on essential supplies. She urged New Yorkers to “make sure you do not have any reason to go out into the extreme colds as it unfolds over Sunday and Monday.”
Emergency preparedness officials are urging residents in affected areas to prepare for several days of disruption. The American Red Cross recommends stocking food, water, medications, and pet supplies, as well as keeping backup battery packs, flashlights, extra batteries, and matches on hand in case of power outages. The organization also advises keeping emergency supplies in vehicles, including blankets, warm clothing, first-aid kits, and boots, and checking on neighbors during prolonged outages.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued tips urging residents to insulate exterior water lines to reduce the risk of frozen pipes. The American Red Cross also offers downloadable winter storm checklists and fact sheets for households reviewing their preparedness plans.
Forecasters say some relief may arrive late Sunday or early Monday for the hardest-hit regions, though officials caution that lingering ice and cold could continue to pose hazards even as the storm system moves out.
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