Severe Winter Storm Sweeps Across U.S., Triggers Widespread Alerts

Tens of millions of Americans are preparing for a massive winter storm, anticipated to bring the heaviest snowfall and coldest temperatures in over a decade.

The National Weather Service (NWS) reports the storm, originating in the central U.S., will track eastward over the coming days.

States of emergency have been declared in Kentucky and Virginia, while typically milder regions, including Mississippi and Florida, have been warned to brace for hazardous conditions.

Forecasters attribute the extreme weather to the polar vortex, a mass of cold Arctic air.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has warned that parts of the U.S. could experience the heaviest snowfall in over a decade, with forecaster Dan DePodwin from AccuWeather predicting this could lead to the coldest January since 2011. He noted that "temperatures well below historical averages" could persist for a week, especially along the East Coast, where the storm is expected to arrive by Sunday evening.

In the central U.S., the National Weather Service (NWS) has cautioned about "considerable disruptions to daily life," including "dangerous or impossible driving conditions" and widespread closures through Sunday. Some areas of Kansas and Indiana could see over 8 inches (20.3 cm) of snow, with parts of the Midwest bracing for potential blizzards and "whiteout conditions," making travel hazardous and increasing the risk of stranded motorists.

Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and West Virginia are expected to see sleet and freezing rain, while millions more Americans across the East Coast could face record-low temperatures. Cities like Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia are preparing for snowfall ranging from 5 to 12 inches, particularly in parts of Virginia.

The southern U.S. is also under threat, with Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi possibly experiencing severe thunderstorms on Sunday.

Private meteorologist Ryan Maue called the storm "a potential disaster," adding, "This is something we haven't seen in quite a while." Airlines, including American, Delta, Southwest, and United, are waiving change fees for travelers in anticipation of major flight disruptions.

Authorities are urging residents to take precautions as this storm unfolds, potentially disrupting travel, daily life, and infrastructure across large parts of the country.

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Source: BCC