A sweeping winter storm is set to impact more than half of the United States this weekend, as frigid Arctic air combines with snow, ice, and sleet, prompting widespread school closures, travel disruptions, and power outage concerns. From Texas to New England, communities are bracing for potentially record-breaking winter conditions.
Forecasters warn the storm could rival a hurricane in its potential to damage infrastructure, particularly in regions where ice accumulation will be severe. More than 177 million people are under watches or warnings for snow and ice, with over 200 million affected by cold weather alerts.
Residents across the South and Midwest are taking precautions. In Dallas, shoppers stocked up on essentials to ride out the storm. “It’s going to be a big storm,” said Maricela Resendiz, who prepared supplies for her family.
The storm is expected to begin Friday in Texas and Oklahoma, bringing freezing rain and sleet that could leave a thick, ice-laden layer on trees and power lines. The system will then move northeast, dropping up to a foot of snow in cities such as Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston. Boston has declared a cold emergency, with wind chills forecasted well below zero.
Arctic Air Drives Dangerous Conditions
The extreme cold originates from Arctic air spilling south from Canada, forcing school closures in Chicago and other Midwest cities. In North Dakota, wind chills reached minus 52 degrees Fahrenheit, creating conditions where frostbite can occur within minutes. Officials urged residents to limit outdoor exposure and avoid unnecessary travel.
State and local authorities are mobilizing resources to reduce hazards. In Nashville and Oklahoma, road crews pretreated streets with salt brine, while highway patrol and National Guard units were deployed to assist stranded motorists. In Texas, utility companies prepared thousands of workers to maintain power and prevent outages similar to the catastrophic 2021 winter storm.
Potential Power Disruptions
Ice accumulation poses a significant threat to electrical infrastructure. Heavy ice can weigh down power lines and tree branches, causing widespread outages. In the southern U.S., where many homes rely on electric heating, prolonged power loss could have severe consequences. Officials are urging residents to prepare for possible disruptions.
Air travel is already feeling the impact, with more than 1,000 flights delayed or canceled nationwide on Friday, including at major hubs in Dallas, Atlanta, and Oklahoma City. Saturday is expected to see over 1,400 additional cancellations.
Communities Brace for the Storm
Residents are hunkering down as the storm approaches. In Atlanta, vulnerable populations, including the homeless, are being directed to warming centers. Grocery stores across the South report shortages as families stockpile water, food, and other emergency supplies.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the dangers, warning of potential hypothermia and frostbite as the storm moves through the Northeast. Officials across affected states are urging caution, advising people to stay indoors and avoid travel unless essential.
As the storm progresses, experts warn that freezing conditions will linger, keeping communities on high alert and emphasizing the importance of preparedness.
