A significant winter storm is set to impact at least 14 states from New Mexico to Maine, prompting declarations of a state of emergency as authorities prepare for extreme weather conditions. The storm, affecting around 172 million people, is expected to bring a combination of snow, record cold temperatures, and potentially hazardous ice accumulation, particularly in the Southeast where up to an inch of ice is anticipated. This ice could lead to downed trees and power lines, possibly resulting in extended power outages.
Cities including New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., could receive over a foot of snow, while areas like Minneapolis and Chicago are bracing for severe cold. A polar vortex is predicted to introduce Arctic air to approximately 35 states following the storm. Notable states under emergency declarations include Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, and Texas, among others.
In response to the impending weather, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is mobilizing resources, including 250,000 meals and 400,000 liters of water in Louisiana. Additionally, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has activated 168 National Guard troops to assist local law enforcement.
Officials are advising residents to stock up on essentials and remain indoors, particularly in the South where ice poses the greatest risk. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency has urged residents to finalize travel plans by Friday night, while Texas officials warn of a prolonged freeze expected to last from Saturday night through Monday night. Travel conditions are predicted to deteriorate, especially on untreated surfaces, and the National Weather Service cautions that heavy snowfall may lead to multi-day power outages and blocked emergency routes. Cold temperatures are expected to persist into the early part of next week, complicating recovery efforts.