A massive winter storm is set to bring heavy snow, ice and brutal cold to a swath of the US over the weekend. Over 200 million people are bracing for the worst, with around 175 million under winter weather or extreme cold alerts. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for parts of the country, from Arizona to Maine, as the storm system moves east.
The storm is expected to start in the southern Plains on Friday and move across the South before hitting the East Coast. Heavy snowfall totals are predicted, with some areas seeing up to 2 feet of accumulation. The highest snowfall totals could occur in the central Appalachians and into the Northeast.
Temperatures are forecast to plummet to record lows across parts of the southern Plains and mid-Atlantic regions, with people around Washington D.C. and Raleigh, North Carolina potentially experiencing temperatures that have not been seen since 2018.
The storm is being fueled by a low-pressure system that is expected to develop in the Southwest and interact with incoming Gulf moisture and Arctic cold air. Forecast models indicate that the system will begin dropping precipitation on Friday in the southern Plains.
Ice is also expected to accumulate along the southern side of the storm's track, but the amount of accumulation is expected to be relatively small, ranging from two-tenths of an inch to up to half an inch.
The polar vortex, which usually resides over the North Pole, is forecast to dip down into the eastern half of the US starting Thursday and lasting through the first half of next week. This will lead to record-breaking temperatures in some areas and make frostbite possible in as little as 5 to 10 minutes.
Heavy snow is expected over a wide band of the country, with a foot or more potentially headed for parts of Texas Panhandle and the Ozarks. The highest snowfall totals could accumulate in the central Appalachians and into the Northeast.
Travel is likely to be disrupted by weather conditions on roadways and at airports, with some airports not having deicing equipment for safe takeoff. Major US airlines are issuing travel waivers and allowing customers to change their plans without penalty as of Thursday.
The roads could become very difficult to navigate, if not impossible, with slick conditions on major interstates such as I-10, I-20, I-30, I-35, I-40, I-44, I-49, and I-55. Travel is highly discouraged through the weekend, but if necessary, people are advised to drive with caution.
Preparations are underway for the storm, with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott saying that the state's power grid is "never been stronger, never been more prepared." Staffers at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago are preparing for a surge in cold-related trauma, with emergency room physicians on standby.
The forecast uncertainty has decreased as the storm's arrival nears, but predicting winter storms can still be challenging due to factors such as freezing temperatures and varying amounts of precipitation.
The storm is expected to start in the southern Plains on Friday and move across the South before hitting the East Coast. Heavy snowfall totals are predicted, with some areas seeing up to 2 feet of accumulation. The highest snowfall totals could occur in the central Appalachians and into the Northeast.
Temperatures are forecast to plummet to record lows across parts of the southern Plains and mid-Atlantic regions, with people around Washington D.C. and Raleigh, North Carolina potentially experiencing temperatures that have not been seen since 2018.
The storm is being fueled by a low-pressure system that is expected to develop in the Southwest and interact with incoming Gulf moisture and Arctic cold air. Forecast models indicate that the system will begin dropping precipitation on Friday in the southern Plains.
Ice is also expected to accumulate along the southern side of the storm's track, but the amount of accumulation is expected to be relatively small, ranging from two-tenths of an inch to up to half an inch.
The polar vortex, which usually resides over the North Pole, is forecast to dip down into the eastern half of the US starting Thursday and lasting through the first half of next week. This will lead to record-breaking temperatures in some areas and make frostbite possible in as little as 5 to 10 minutes.
Heavy snow is expected over a wide band of the country, with a foot or more potentially headed for parts of Texas Panhandle and the Ozarks. The highest snowfall totals could accumulate in the central Appalachians and into the Northeast.
Travel is likely to be disrupted by weather conditions on roadways and at airports, with some airports not having deicing equipment for safe takeoff. Major US airlines are issuing travel waivers and allowing customers to change their plans without penalty as of Thursday.
The roads could become very difficult to navigate, if not impossible, with slick conditions on major interstates such as I-10, I-20, I-30, I-35, I-40, I-44, I-49, and I-55. Travel is highly discouraged through the weekend, but if necessary, people are advised to drive with caution.
Preparations are underway for the storm, with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott saying that the state's power grid is "never been stronger, never been more prepared." Staffers at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago are preparing for a surge in cold-related trauma, with emergency room physicians on standby.
The forecast uncertainty has decreased as the storm's arrival nears, but predicting winter storms can still be challenging due to factors such as freezing temperatures and varying amounts of precipitation.
! I'm talking heavy snow, ice, and brutal cold - a perfect combo for a crazy weekend 
! With over 200 million people bracing for the worst, it's essential to stay prepared & safe #WinterStormWarning #StayWarm #BePrepared
. Our thoughts are with those affected by this storm #CompassionInAction #WinterRelief.
. But hey, major US airlines are looking out for us, offering travel waivers & flexible plans 
️#TravelWaiver #StaySafeOnTheRoad
I mean, 200 million people are gonna have to deal with a whole lotta snow, ice, and cold... it's like the world is trying to give us all a big ol' winter blanket. But at the same time, can you blame them for being prepared? I guess it's just one of those things where you gotta expect the unexpected, especially when it comes to Mother Nature.
It's gonna be record-breaking temps and frostbite galore. But hey, at least we can all stay warm and cozy with our hot chocolate and Netflix marathons... right? 
, like, who thought it was a good idea for the polar vortex to dip down into the us? it's gonna be a crazy weekend 
️. maybe it's time to prep that flashlight, battery-powered radio, and some non-perishable snacks just in case 
and yeah its getting worse with climate change now winter storm systems are more unpredictable than ever 
. They're going to have to stay indoors for at least a day or two, which is always a bummer for them. I hope they don't get too bored with all the screen time 
and that we can still make some fun memories together despite the weather outside.
️
I mean, it's been a while since we've had some good ol' fashioned snow days, and I'm ready to grab my hot cocoa and snuggle up with a good book. But seriously, 2 feet of snow? That's just crazy talk! 
! i'm living in NYC, and we're expecting some major snowfall too 
. the roads are gonna be treacherous, so drive slow and easy, and don't say i didn't warn you 
. btw, anyone else thinking of binge-watching their fave shows while huddled under a blanket? that's my plan for the weekend 
. I'm kinda worried about the roads 
, might be hard to drive safely even with de-icer 
. Some airports don't have equipment for safe takeoff 
, travelers gotta be careful 
. Let's hope everyone stays safe and warm 
! 
And isn't it weird that the polar vortex is going to dip down into the eastern half of the US? Can someone explain why this happens and how often it does? 