Tens of millions of Americans are bracing for a massive winter storm that could bring the heaviest snowfall and coldest temperatures in more than a decade.
The storm, which began in the central US, will move east over the next two days, the National Weather Service (NWS) said.
A state of emergency has been declared in the states of Kentucky and Virginia, while areas of the US not used to extreme cold, including Mississippi and Florida, have been warned to expect severe weather.
Meteorologists believe the extreme weather is caused by the polar vortex, a region of cold air that circulates around the Arctic.
🚨🇺🇸#BREAKING | NEWS ⚠️
Amazing drone footage of the major ice and snow storms hitting the US from today and tonight 🌨️❄️
From WX Chasing. pic.twitter.com/ZDsAfkjGxL— Todd Paron🇺🇸🇬🇷🎧👽 (@tparon) January 5, 2025
‘Heaviest snowfall in over a decade’: Mega winter storm bears down on millions
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) January 4, 2025
“For some, this could be the heaviest snowfall in over a decade,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.
AccuWeather forecaster Dan DePodwin said, “This could lead to the coldest January for the US since 2011.”
He added that “temperatures that are well below the historical average” could persist for a week.
These low temperatures will also be noted on the eastern coast, where the storm is expected to arrive by Sunday afternoon.
In the central US, there will be “significant disruptions to daily life” and “dangerous or impossible driving conditions and widespread closures” through Sunday, according to the NWS.
Parts of Kansas and Indiana could see at least 8 inches of snow.
Snowstorms are possible in parts of the Midwest.
“Snowy conditions will make travel extremely hazardous, with impassable roads and a high risk of stranded drivers,” the NWS warned.
Sleet and freezing rain is forecast for Missouri, Illinois and parts of Kentucky and West Virginia.
As the storm moves east, millions more Americans will see record low temperatures, forecasters said.
Cities including Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia are bracing for snowy and icy conditions Sunday through Monday. Between 10 and 30 centimeters of snow could be recorded in parts of Virginia.
Also on Sunday, parts of the southern US, including Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, may see severe thunderstorms.
Meteorologist Ryan Maue said: “It’s going to be a mess, a potential disaster. This is something we haven’t seen in a long time.”
American, Delta, Southwest and United airlines are waiving change fees for passengers due to potential flight disruptions
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