Tens of millions of Americans are preparing for a massive winter storm that forecasters predict will bring record-breaking snowfall and the coldest temperatures in over a decade.
The storm, which originated in the central US, is set to spread eastward, with treacherous conditions expected in regions unaccustomed to such severe cold, including Mississippi and Florida. States like Kentucky and Virginia have already declared states of emergency.
“This could lead to the coldest January for the US since 2011,” said AccuWeather forecaster Dan DePodwin, adding that temperatures far below historical averages could linger for a week.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of “considerable disruptions to daily life” and “dangerous or impossible driving conditions” in the central US through Sunday, with some areas of Kansas and Indiana expecting at least 8 inches (20.3 cm) of snow. Blizzards could create whiteout conditions in parts of the Midwest, posing severe risks to motorists.
As the storm progresses eastward, cities like Washington DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia are preparing for icy conditions and snowfall between 5-12 inches. Virginia is bracing for heavy snow accumulation, and the southern states, including Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, are at risk of severe thunderstorms.
“This is something we haven’t seen in quite a while,” warned private meteorologist Ryan Maue, describing the storm as a potential disaster.
Airlines including American, Delta, Southwest, and United have waived change fees for passengers due to anticipated flight disruptions.
Forecasters attribute the extreme weather to the polar vortex, a mass of cold Arctic air. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) described the event as potentially delivering “the heaviest snowfall in over a decade.”
Millions more Americans are expected to face record low temperatures and icy conditions as the storm moves eastward into early next week.
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