Massive Winter Storm Sweeps Across United States, Threatening Millions
A colossal winter storm has begun its relentless march across the United States, placing more than 160 million Americans in the path of severe weather conditions. The system, which commenced its sweep on Saturday, is delivering a dangerous mix of heavy snowfall, sleet, and freezing rain, with the National Weather Service (NWS) issuing stark warnings about potential catastrophic impacts.
Widespread Emergency Declarations and Dire Forecasts
In anticipation of the storm's fury, at least 16 states alongside Washington DC have proactively declared states of emergency. The NWS confirmed on Saturday morning that the powerful winter storm is fully "underway," with precipitation already impacting south-central regions of the country. Forecasters are predicting that the storm will affect a staggering number of residents, with weather officials highlighting the risk of widespread and extended power outages, major travel disruptions, extensive tree damage, and perilous conditions.
Heavy snow is expected to blanket a vast area stretching from the southern Rockies and plains through the mid-Atlantic and into the north-east throughout the weekend. The NWS has indicated that snowfall totals are likely to exceed 12 inches across the Ohio valley, mid-Atlantic, and north-east regions. Simultaneously, widespread freezing rain and sleet are forecast for the southern plains, the lower Mississippi valley, the Tennessee valley, and the south-east.
Catastrophic Ice Accumulation and Power Outage Threats
The NWS has issued a particularly grave warning regarding "catastrophic ice accumulation" from the southern plains to the mid-Atlantic and the south-east. These catastrophic impacts are anticipated in areas where freezing rain amounts surpass half an inch, with totals of more than one inch possible in parts of northern Louisiana, central and northern Mississippi, southern Tennessee, and the southern Appalachians. The agency emphasised on Friday that power outages "are certain for some, especially in areas where the heaviest ice will accumulate on trees and powerlines."
By Saturday morning, approximately 80,000 customers were already without power nationwide, according to data from PowerOutage.us, with Texas accounting for 32,500 of those outages. The NWS has urgently advised Americans to "take this storm seriously," underscoring the severe risks posed by the impending weather.
Political Response and Regional Impacts
Former President Donald Trump commented on the situation via his Truth Social platform on Friday night, stating he had been "briefed on the Record Cold Wave and Historic Winter Storm that will be hitting much of the United States this weekend." He asserted that his administration is "coordinating with State and Local Officials" and declared the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) "fully prepared to respond," despite recent reports of plans to reduce its staff.
Kentucky's Governor, Andy Beshear, warned on Saturday morning that the winter storm is "moving through" the state, with areas expecting up to 15 inches of snow, ice accumulation, and dangerously cold temperatures. He strongly urged residents to avoid travel and to make necessary preparations. The storm has already caused significant disruption to air travel, with more than 9,000 flights within, into, or out of the US cancelled for Saturday and Sunday, as reported by Flight Aware.
In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani noted that the city is forecast to receive between three and 16 inches of snow over the weekend, adding to the widespread concerns. Following the storm, communities from the southern plains to the north-east are expected to contend with "bitterly cold temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills," according to the NWS.
This extensive winter event underscores the severe weather challenges facing the nation, with millions bracing for its full impact across multiple states.
