Millions Brace for Catastrophic Ice Storm Across America
Millions of Americans are preparing for a potentially catastrophic ice storm that is forecast to sweep across the country, threatening widespread power outages and significant travel disruption. Forecasters warn that the severe weather, expected to begin on Friday and persist through the weekend, could crush trees and power lines from New Mexico to the Carolinas, leaving communities without electricity for days.
Widespread Winter Weather Alerts Issued
The National Weather Service confirmed that an estimated 100 million people were already under some form of winter weather alert on Wednesday. The storm is predicted to bring a dangerous mix of heavy snow, freezing rain, and sleet, with an "atmospheric river" of moisture anticipated to pull precipitation across Texas, Gulf Coast states, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
Meanwhile, northern states stretching to New England are forecast to receive enough snow to render travel almost impossible. Parts of at least 19 states in the storm’s path were under winter storm watches by late Wednesday, with more watches and warnings expected as the system approaches.
Critical Infrastructure and Preparation Efforts
Local authorities are mobilising resources to mitigate the storm's impact. Here’s a detailed look at the approaching storm and how communities are preparing:
- 0.5 inches of ice – This amount, equivalent to 1.27 centimeters, can lead to crippling ice storms that topple trees and power lines, creating widespread and long-lasting power outages. The latest forecasts warn of potential for half an inch or more in many areas, including parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee.
- 1 snowplow named Dolly Plowton – In Nashville, Tennessee, one snowplow is named after country music legend Dolly Parton, with another in East Tennessee named Snowlene after her classic hit "Jolene" as part of a 2022 naming contest.
- 3 layers needed for warmth – Experts recommend a base layer, middle layer, and outer shell to stay protected in extreme cold conditions.
- 4 major U.S. hub airports affected – Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, Memphis, and Charlotte airports are in the path of the southern storm this weekend, where ice, sleet, and snow could delay passengers and cargo.
- 12 inches of snow possible – Parts of Oklahoma could see up to a foot of snow, creating hazardous driving conditions.
- 15 snow and ice removal trucks in Memphis – The city's Division of Public Works operates these vehicles, plus six trucks that spread brine. Statewide, Tennessee has 851 salt trucks and 634 brine trucks.
- 19 states under watch – These include Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
- 32 degrees Fahrenheit – This freezing point is critical; temperatures slightly above will mean mostly liquid precipitation, while colder temperatures below this mark cause more efficient freezing.
- 45 snowplow trucks ready in Nashville – The Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure has these vehicles prepared.
- 50 below zero windchill expected – Parts of the Northern Plains, including northern Minnesota and North Dakota, could experience windchill values feeling like minus 45.6 Celsius.
- 330 snowplows in Chicago – The city also has 40 4x4 vehicles and about 12 beet juice-dispensing trucks; beet juice lowers water's freezing point and helps salt stick to roads longer.
- 600 miles added to Nashville plow routes – This expansion last year allowed plows to reach "deeper into our neighborhoods—roads that had never been plowed before."
- 1,000-plus pieces of winter equipment in Texas – The Texas Department of Transportation has snowplows, motor graders, and brine tankers ready, with agency partners and contractors available for additional support.
- 78,000 cubic yards of salt in Arkansas – The state has 121 salt houses, 600 salt spreaders, and 700 snowplows prepared for the storm.
Travel Warnings and Safety Advice
Charles Daniel, a semitrailer driver across western Oklahoma, emphasised the dangers: "You’ve got to be very weather aware, and real smart about what you’re doing. One mistake can literally kill somebody, so you have to use your head." Similarly, Nils Anderson, owner of Duluth Gear Exchange in Minnesota, advised: "When the weather forecast says, ‘feels like negative 34,’ it’s just a matter of covering skin and being prepared for it."
With an estimated 55 million people included in winter storm watches, authorities urge residents to stay informed, prepare emergency kits, and avoid unnecessary travel during the severe weather event.
