Additional Coverage:
- 2,300-mile winter storm: Impacts imminent as millions brace for dangerous snow, ice brewing across 40 states (foxweather.com)
Historic Winter Storm Threatens Over 240 Million Across the Nation
A potentially historic winter storm is poised to impact over 240 million people across 40 states, stretching more than 2,300 miles from Arizona to Maine. Forecasters predict crippling snow and ice as a trailing blast of Arctic air, linked to the polar vortex, brings a dangerous refreeze. This could lead to prolonged power outages and paralyze travel for days.
Key Impacts:
- Crippling ice is expected from Texas to the Carolinas.
- High-impact snowstorm is headed for the Northeast, with double-digit snow totals.
- Over 10,000 flights have already been disrupted through Sunday, with more cancellations anticipated.
The storm has already set a record for the most counties under a Winter Storm Warning, with 1,389 counties affected as of Friday afternoon.
States of Emergency Declared:
Fourteen states-Arkansas, Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Missouri, Mississippi, Kentucky, New York, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Kansas-along with Washington D.C., have declared states of emergency. Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for over 130 counties. Major cities like Philadelphia and Washington D.C. have also announced snow emergencies.
A White House official confirmed that President Donald Trump is being frequently briefed on the storm, with the entire administration engaged in a “whole-of-government approach” to respond.
Preparation Underway:
Energy companies are mobilizing additional crews to prepare for significant ice accretion, which can down power lines and create treacherous driving conditions. Residents have already flocked to grocery stores, leading to empty shelves as they stock up on essential supplies. More than 177 million Americans are currently under Winter Weather Alerts.
Storm Timeline and Regional Impacts:
The Southern and Central Plains will be the first to experience the storm’s intensity. Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for much of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kansas, including major cities like Dallas, Oklahoma City, St. Louis, Wichita, Kansas City, and Little Rock, through midday Sunday.
- Central Plains: 5 to 8 inches of snow are probable from the Texas Panhandle into Kansas and Missouri, with some areas like Wichita, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa potentially seeing up to a foot.
- Eastern Texas to Southern Arkansas: Highest ice accretions of 0.50 inches or more are expected by Sunday afternoon, making power outages increasingly likely.
- Southeast: By Saturday, the storm will move into the Southeast, bringing up to a foot of snow to areas such as Louisville, Kentucky. Nearly half an inch of ice is anticipated in major cities like Memphis, Nashville, and Charlotte.
Ice Storm Warnings are in place across Tennessee, northern Mississippi, Alabama, and northeastern Louisiana.
- Mid-Atlantic: The storm will then sweep through the Mid-Atlantic, potentially delivering up to 18 inches of snow to Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, and nearly an inch of ice to areas like Richmond, Virginia.
- Northeast: Cities like Philadelphia and New York City are bracing for up to 18 inches of snow. Winter Storm Watches are in effect for most of the Northeast, with Pittsburgh under a Winter Storm Warning.
- New England: Hartford, Providence, and Boston could see over a foot of snow. Coastal Massachusetts, particularly from the North Shore down to the northern Cape, is identified as a “jackpot” region, with widespread 12 to 18 inches of snow and locally higher amounts approaching two feet, including Boston down to Plymouth.
State officials across affected regions are urging residents to stay safe, prepare for dangerous conditions, and monitor local forecasts. New York City has activated its snow removal employment system, hiring temporary shovelers to clear public areas.