Tens of millions of Americans are preparing for an unprecedented winter storm expected to bring the heaviest snowfall and lowest temperatures in over a decade. The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that the storm, which initially formed in the central U.S., is forecasted to move eastward over the next few days, affecting 30 states that are currently under weather alerts.
A state of emergency has been declared in Kentucky, Virginia, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri, while regions typically unaccustomed to severe cold, such as Mississippi and Florida, are warned to anticipate hazardous conditions. Meteorologists attribute this extreme weather event to the polar vortex, a mass of cold air circulating around the Arctic.
Road conditions are rapidly deteriorating, with hazardous weather leading to multiple accidents, including a rollover of a fire truck in Kansas, as reported by local highway patrol. The NWS has noted that “this could result in the heaviest snowfall in over a decade,” with forecasts indicating the coldest January across the U.S. since 2011. Temperatures are predicted to fall significantly below historical averages and are expected to persist for up to a week.
The storm will impact the eastern U.S. by Sunday evening, bringing record low temperatures. In the central U.S., “considerable disruptions to daily life” and “dangerous or impassable driving conditions” are anticipated through the weekend, as stated by the NWS. Areas within Kansas and Indiana might receive as much as 8 inches (20.3 cm) of snow, while blizzard conditions are possible in parts of the Midwest.
The NWS has warned that “whiteout conditions” will create extremely hazardous travel scenarios, posing a high risk of motorists getting stranded. Sleet and freezing rain are expected to affect Missouri, Illinois, and regions of Kentucky and West Virginia, while millions in the storm’s path will experience record low temperatures.
Cities including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia are bracing for icy conditions from Sunday into Monday, with accumulations of 5 to 12 inches of snow predicted in parts of Virginia. Additionally, areas in the southern U.S., including Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, could experience severe thunderstorms on the same day.
Meteorologist warnings indicate that this storm could lead to “potential disasters,” marking a significant weather event not witnessed in recent years. Airlines have responded by waiving change fees to accommodate passengers facing potential flight disruptions.
