A major winter storm is currently affecting over 245 million people across the U.S., from Arizona to Maine. This is expected to bring significant snowfall, heavy ice, and dangerous travel conditions for several days.
The storm’s influence stretches 2,300 miles, impacting more than 40 states from the Southwest up to New England.
As of now, over 190 million Americans are under winter weather warnings.
Travel disruptions are already notable, with roughly 10,000 flights canceled nationwide by Monday.
In East Texas and Louisiana, power outages are increasing, leaving many without electricity—and the worst conditions are still on the way.
This extensive system has already affected parts of the Midwest and the Ohio Valley.
A state of emergency is in effect for 21 states, which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Indiana, Connecticut, and Washington, D.C.
President Trump has mentioned on social media that his administration is working alongside state and local officials to prepare, with FEMA fully ready to assist.
The storm has already made history, marking the highest number of simultaneous winter storm warnings in the country.
Storm Formation
The storm began to form over the Plains late Friday, arriving sooner than predicted and unleashing snow, ice, and rain as it moved eastward.
By early Saturday, Hays, Kansas recorded 6 inches of snow, while Norman, Oklahoma saw 3 inches.
Heavy snow is projected to continue across areas between Interstates 70 and 40 in the Plains.
Forecast models suggest that up to a foot of snow could fall in parts of central Kansas, particularly just north of Oklahoma City.
Additionally, regions from north of Amarillo to Kansas City may receive 5 to 8 inches of accumulation.
In Texas, icing could affect areas from Midland to Dallas to Little Rock, potentially causing significant power outages and disrupting travel along major interstates, especially over the weekend.
To the Southeast
A significant storm is headed toward the Southeast, bringing ice and snow to millions as the weekend starts.
Ice storm warnings have been issued from Mississippi to parts of the Carolinas, raising concerns over power outages.
Arkansas, northern Mississippi, and western Tennessee are expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with ice accumulation potentially reaching 0.75 inches—some localized areas might even see more than 1 inch.
The heavy ice is likely to wreak havoc on power lines and travel conditions.
Heavy snowfall of 5 to 8 inches is expected mainly along and north of Interstate 40 in Kentucky, with some areas potentially seeing up to a foot.
Nashville may see a mix of snow, rain, and wintry conditions as the storm progresses.
High-elevation regions in Middle and East Tennessee could get 3 to 5 inches as well.
Big City Snow
This marks the first time in a decade that cities like Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia have received over a foot of snow, and for New York City, it has been five years since such an event.
The historic storm is approaching the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and I-95 corridor, bringing heavy snow starting Saturday.
By Sunday morning, snow will blanket the tri-state area, with intensity increasing throughout the day, potentially hitting snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour.
The heaviest snow is anticipated north and west of Washington, D.C., particularly along Interstate 81 through Pennsylvania and into New York, where totals of 18 to 24 inches are possible.
The forecast suggests a decreasing chance of heavy snow for areas like Roanoke and Richmond, while coastal Massachusetts might see significant accumulations due to ocean effects.
In northern Massachusetts, 12 to 18 inches are possible, with localized areas nearing 2 feet.
Under Preparation
As people prepare for the storm, grocery stores across the country are seeing a rush, with empty shelves reported from Texas to New York.
Energy companies are mobilizing additional crews in anticipation of ice accumulating on power lines, which could cause significant outages.
How Frigid Temperatures Affect Winter Weather
Forecasters predict the storm will weaken from west to east by Monday as the low pressure system retreats. Nevertheless, cold air will linger for millions, with ice and snow impacts continuing.
An arctic high-pressure system is pulling bitterly cold air down south, affecting weather patterns through the weekend and playing a crucial role in this historic winter storm.
Cold weather alerts are extending across the Upper Midwest, Plains, and Northeast.
Major cities such as Minneapolis and Detroit to Boston and New York City are included. Even further south, cities like Oklahoma City, Dallas, and Little Rock are under alerts for cold weather.
As the weekend progresses, temps along the East Coast are expected to remain below freezing, with wind chills pushing them closer to single digits. New York City might only see highs in the teens, with over 260 million Americans experiencing colder-than-average temperatures, and about 50 million facing sub-zero conditions.
The combination of frigid temperatures and power outages adds to the complex nature of this storm that people will need to navigate in the days ahead.
