More than 230 million residents across the United States are preparing for a severe winter weather event that meteorologists warn could deliver heavy snowfall and catastrophic ice conditions. Over a dozen states have already issued disaster or emergency declarations in anticipation of the storm, which the National Weather Service forecasts will bring widespread hazardous weather.
Storm Path and Expected Impacts
The massive winter storm is predicted to commence in Texas and Oklahoma on Friday, creating treacherous roadway conditions due to ice and snow accumulation. As the system progresses, it is expected to spread from New Mexico to Virginia by Saturday, resulting in widespread heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain across the region.
Northeast Braces for Bitter Cold
By Sunday, forecasters anticipate the storm will move into the Northeast, bringing bitterly cold temperatures and hazardous travel conditions. This comes just one week after a powerful Arctic storm wreaked havoc across New England, causing multiple major car pileups on icy roads and highlighting the dangers of winter driving.
Travel Disruptions and Flight Cancellations
In advance of the storm, significant travel disruptions are already occurring. According to FlightAware, more than 800 flights within, into, or out of the United States have been delayed or canceled for Friday. Authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to prepare for potentially prolonged power outages and dangerous conditions.
Expert Warnings of Catastrophic Event
Ryan Maue, a former chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, told the Associated Press that this storm could be a 'widespread potentially catastrophic event from Texas to the Carolinas.' He expressed concern about how people will cope with the severe conditions, including bitter cold air with wind chills as low as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit forecast for parts of Minnesota and North Dakota.
Recent Winter Storm Aftermath
The nation is still recovering from the impacts of last week's Arctic storm, which caused terrifying pileups, including a 100-car incident in Michigan that shut down part of Interstate 196. In New England, six inches of snow fell, leading to dangerous driving conditions and multiple accidents, such as a 30-car pileup on Interstate 81 in New York that sent seven people to hospital.
As the new storm approaches, emergency services are on high alert, and residents are advised to stay informed through official weather updates and to take necessary precautions to ensure safety during this severe weather event.
