Major Winter Storm Sweeps US: 18 States Declare Emergency, Millions Brace
A severe and potentially historic winter storm is sweeping across the United States, prompting 18 states to declare a state of emergency as millions of Americans brace for life-threatening conditions. The storm, described by forecasters as unusually large and severe, is expected to impact more than 170 million people from the Southern Rockies to New England.
Widespread Disruption and Preparations
The National Weather Service has issued stark warnings for widespread heavy snow, catastrophic ice accumulation, and dangerous wind chills. Travel chaos has already begun, with over 4,000 flights delayed or canceled on Friday, and further significant disruptions are anticipated throughout the weekend. Schools and offices are closing across affected regions as residents rush to prepare.
In a notable move, federal offices in the Washington, D.C. region will be closed on Monday, affecting approximately 279,000 federal workers. This preemptive closure underscores the severity of the forecast for the capital and surrounding areas.
States Under Emergency Declarations
The list of states that have declared a state of emergency includes:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
Washington, D.C. has also declared an emergency. These declarations are typically made to access federal disaster response funding and assistance ahead of a major weather event.
Forecasted Impacts and Dangers
Forecasters are predicting extreme conditions, including:
- Heavy Snowfall: Up to a foot of snow is possible in states including Oklahoma, Kansas, Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia. Major East Coast cities like Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C. could also see 12 inches or more.
- Dangerous Ice: Significant ice accumulation is expected, which could damage trees and power lines, leading to widespread power outages. The National Weather Service warns this will create extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions.
- Extreme Cold: Wind chills could plummet to as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit (-45 degrees Celsius) in some areas, posing a severe risk to life.
Public Safety Advice and Community Response
Authorities are urging the public to take the storm seriously. The National Weather Service has emphasised that heavy snow can cause multi-day power outages, block emergency routes, and lead to communication failures. Residents are advised to:
- Stock an emergency kit.
- Secure a safe alternative heat source.
- Stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
In the event of power outages, officials recommend simple measures to retain warmth, such as closing blinds and curtains, shutting room doors, and stuffing towels under door cracks. Staying hydrated and eating regularly are also highlighted as crucial for maintaining body heat.
Meanwhile, communities are mobilising. Reports indicate grocery store shelves are being cleared as people stock up, and animal rescue groups, such as Paws of War, are working to relocate vulnerable pets ahead of the severe weather. A viral hack involving a Whataburger cup to prevent frozen pipes has even gained traction in Texas, illustrating the widespread local preparations underway.
As the storm progresses, meteorologists are stressing the importance of relying on official forecasts and human expertise over weather apps, which may not fully capture the complexity and danger of such a multi-faceted extreme weather event.
