United States – A major and far-reaching winter storm is beginning today and is expected to impact a large portion of the country through Monday, bringing widespread heavy snow, crippling ice, and prolonged dangerous cold to much of the Southern Plains, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast.
According to the NOAA National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, this high-impact winter storm could affect more than 170 million Americans. Heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain will spread from the Southern Rockies and Plains eastward through the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and into New England. Travel disruptions, hazardous road conditions, and infrastructure impacts are expected to become widespread as the storm intensifies.
Widespread Heavy Snow
Heavy snow is forecast across a broad swath of the country, with the greatest accumulations expected from the central and southern Plains through the Midwest and into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. In many areas, snowfall totals may exceed one foot. The probability of receiving at least six inches of snow is high across this corridor, increasing the risk of road closures, flight cancellations, and extended travel delays.
Crippling Ice Accumulation
South of the primary snow axis, significant ice accumulation is expected due to widespread freezing rain and sleet. Portions of the Southern Plains, Lower Mississippi Valley, Tennessee Valley, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic face a high risk of dangerous ice buildup. Long-duration power outages, extensive tree damage, and extremely hazardous or impassable travel conditions are likely, especially where ice accumulations exceed a quarter inch. In the hardest-hit areas, totals could exceed one-half inch, with localized amounts near or above one inch possible.
Extended and Dangerous Impacts
Behind the storm, bitterly cold Arctic air will surge south and east, prolonging the impacts well into next week. Extremely cold temperatures will slow recovery efforts, allow ice and snow to linger, and increase the risk of frostbite, hypothermia, and frozen pipes. Communities across the Southern Plains through the Northeast should prepare for extended disruptions even after precipitation ends.
Officials urge residents to complete preparations immediately, avoid unnecessary travel during the height of the storm, and closely monitor forecasts and warnings as conditions evolve. This storm has the potential to be both long-lasting and highly disruptive, making advance planning and safety precautions critical over the coming days.
