A powerful winter storm is threatening the central and eastern United States, bringing snow, ice, and dangerous travel conditions to over 110 million people.
This storm, the latest in a series of winter blasts that have pummeled the country in recent weeks, is expected to cause widespread disruptions and hazardous conditions from the Plains to the Mid-Atlantic.
“This February Frenzy pattern of relentless winter storms will bring yet another round of snow and ice to the Plains, Midwest, and mid-Atlantic,” said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter. “Slippery and hazardous conditions could shut down highways, delay or cancel thousands of flights, close schools, and disrupt business and supply chain operations.”
READ: Deadly Storms Devastate Kentucky, Trigger Flooding And Tornadoes Across Eastern US
The storm is forecast to bring a wide range of snowfall amounts, with some areas seeing up to a foot of snow.
- Midwest and Appalachians: A widespread zone of 3-6 inches of snow is expected, with localized amounts of 6-12 inches possible in parts of the Dakotas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky.
- Mid-Atlantic: The storm will then move eastward, bringing 3-6 inches of snow to southern Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, and parts of Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland. Heavier snow, with 6-12 inches possible, is expected in central and eastern Virginia, northeastern North Carolina, and southern Maryland and Delaware.
Travel disruptions are expected to be significant, with hazardous road conditions and potential flight delays and cancellations. AccuWeather is forecasting over 1,100 flight cancellations on Wednesday and 650 on Thursday.
In addition to snow, the storm will bring a significant threat of freezing rain and ice, particularly to areas in the South, including parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. These icy conditions could lead to treacherous travel, power outages, and tree damage.
READ: 8 Dead In Kentucky, 1 Dead In Georgia As Deadly Storm System Ravages Eastern US
Following the winter storm, another blast of Arctic air will surge across the central and eastern U.S., sending temperatures plummeting 15-30 degrees below average. This frigid air will increase the risk of frostbite, hypothermia, and frozen pipes.
AccuWeather meteorologists are urging residents to prepare for the storm by:
- Avoiding unnecessary travel
- Stocking up on essential supplies
- Taking precautions against the cold
- Heeding any warnings issued by local authorities
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