Additional Coverage:
Massive Winter Storm Poised to Blanket Over Two Dozen States
A formidable winter storm is currently gathering strength in the southwestern United States, with forecasters predicting a widespread impact of heavy snow, freezing rain, and dangerously low temperatures stretching from New Mexico all the way to New England over the coming days.
As of Thursday, January 22nd, a staggering 130 million people were under various weather alerts for snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Simultaneously, 106 million residents across the Southwest, parts of the South, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Northeast are bracing for extreme cold, as reported by the National Weather Service.
AccuWeather meteorologist Bob Larson emphasized the severity of the situation in an email, stating, “This will be a large and potentially historic storm, with major impacts over a very large area (more than 2 dozen states).”
In anticipation of the storm’s arrival, several U.S. states, including Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia, have already declared a state of emergency.
When Will the Storm Hit?
While the precise timing will fluctuate by region, the storm, which is already spreading snow and ice, is expected to intensify on Friday, January 23rd, and persist through the weekend. While snow is projected to fall from the Southwest to the Northeast, Larson highlighted the potential for specific areas in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia to receive 24 inches or more of snow.
How Long Will It Last?
The National Weather Service indicates that the system, which will produce “great swaths of heavy snow, sleet, and treacherous freezing rain,” will begin its push across the nation’s midsection on January 23rd, before migrating toward the East Coast through January 25th. Residents in the New England region may experience lingering effects through January 26th. Due to the hazardous conditions, the weather service has strongly advised the public to remain indoors and off the roads during this period.
Winter Weather Safety: A Crucial Reminder
The weather service has issued a stern warning about the potential for life-threatening cold, with a sharp increase in the risk of frostbite and hypothermia by the weekend. “These wind chills will pose a life-threatening risk of hypothermia and frostbite to exposed skin,” the weather service cautioned. “Additionally, any power outages caused by a winter storm this weekend could prolong and compound this risk.”
To ensure safety, residents are urged to:
- Prepare an emergency kit and ensure any emergency heat sources are properly ventilated to prevent fire.
- If outdoor exposure is unavoidable, wear multiple layers, including hats, boots, and gloves.
- Stay dry and keep warm beverages readily available.
- Verify that carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly and that outside vents are clear of any obstructions like snow.
- Check in on neighbors, especially the elderly or vulnerable.
- Protect pets from the extreme cold.
- Familiarize yourself with the signs of hypothermia and strategies to avoid being stranded in freezing conditions.