A powerful winter storm is set to sweep across the eastern half of the United States, bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, and dangerously cold temperatures. Meteorologists warned on Saturday of treacherous travel conditions and potential widespread power outages as millions brace for the storm’s impact.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings and advisories from Montana to Maryland, affecting over 55 million people. Blizzard conditions are expected in states spanning the Central Plains to the Mid-Atlantic, with the storm forecast to last through Monday.
In New York and Pennsylvania, areas near the Great Lakes face “heavy lake-effect snow,” with some regions possibly seeing accumulations of up to two feet (61 cm), according to the NWS. Forecasting service AccuWeather reported that snow totals in parts of this already snow-laden area could reach four feet.
By early Sunday, a blizzard is expected to strike the Central Plains, creating “whiteout conditions” and making travel extremely hazardous. The NWS warned of impassable roads and a high risk of stranded motorists.
Temperatures are predicted to plummet below zero Fahrenheit (-18°C) in some states, with strong winds amplifying the dangers. Snowfall totals of up to 12 inches (33 cm) are expected from Kansas to Ohio, with some areas potentially experiencing their heaviest snowfalls in over a decade. The Washington, D.C., area could see up to 10 inches of snow.
The storm will also bring freezing rain and sleet from Kansas to West Virginia and Virginia, potentially coating roads in ice, toppling trees and power lines, and leaving millions without electricity.
Governors in Missouri and Virginia have declared states of emergency, urging residents to prepare for hazardous weather. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Missouri Governor Mike Parson warned of icy roads, power outages, and freezing conditions.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear highlighted the risks for Appalachian communities, many still recovering from a deadly hurricane in September. “This storm could lead to significant disruptions, dangerous road conditions, and widespread power outages—right before temperatures drop significantly,” Beshear said in an emergency meeting.
With the jet stream diving southward, the storm will bring temperatures well below seasonal norms, even reaching the Gulf Coast, making the coming days particularly challenging across the nation.
