Massive Winter Storm Set to Impact Large Portions of the U.S.
The United States is bracing for a severe winter storm poised to deliver a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain across a wide region, creating hazardous travel conditions and threatening power outages. Tens of millions are under alerts for winter storms and extreme cold, according to the National Weather Service.
Mike Stewart/AP
Matt Reagan, a lead forecaster, described the storm as vast, affecting areas from eastern New Mexico through Texas and up to the northeast. “This is a very large storm that’s going to impact a large area of the United States,” Reagan explained. The western states will experience the onset Friday, with the storm shifting eastward through Monday.
The northeast is expected to see heavy snowfall, potentially accompanied by blinding snow squalls in New England. In contrast, the southern regions face the risk of ice and sleet, especially in northern Louisiana, southeast Arkansas, and northern Mississippi.
Reagan emphasized the challenges freezing rain poses even to those familiar with winter conditions, stating, “You can’t drive in it even if you have four-wheel drive.” With freezing rain accumulation, power outages are a looming threat as ice can down power lines.
Tony Gutierrez/AP
Preparations are underway as several states, including Texas, the Carolinas, and Georgia, have declared states of emergency. Cities are activating freeze plans, and warming shelters are opening. “A winter storm is approaching, and now is the time to prepare,” urged North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein.
Governors are advising residents to stock up on essentials and stay off the roads. Atlanta residents, for example, are buying out supplies at local stores in anticipation of the storm.
The storm is expected to disrupt air travel at key airports, with airlines like Delta and American Airlines issuing travel advisories and waiving fees for rebooking.
Experts attribute the storm to a collision between northern cold air and a moisture plume from the southwest. The National Weather Service recommends staying updated on the latest forecasts as conditions can change rapidly.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
