A massive winter storm has pushed the United States into emergency mode, as a result of which more than 150 million people remain under severe weather alerts. The system first struck Northwest Texas and Oklahoma City with heavy snowfall early Friday. Soon after, conditions began worsening across nearby regions. In response, at least 15 states declared states of emergency, urging residents to prepare for prolonged disruptions.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the storm will continue to strengthen through Monday. In addition, parts of the Midwest and Northeast may receive over a foot of snow. Meanwhile, freezing rain and sleet are expected across the Southern Plains, Lower Mississippi Valley, and Southeast. As a result, officials warned of dangerous roads, falling trees, and extended power outages.
Storm Expands Eastward as Arctic Cold Intensifies
The storm will stretch more than 2,000 miles from Texas to New England, according to CNN. As it moves east, it will impact densely populated Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern states. At the same time, a surge of Arctic air will drive temperatures well below seasonal averages. Consequently, emergency agencies fear increased strain on power grids and public services.
Several governors, therefore, activated National Guard units to assist with rescues and road clearance. Additionally, local authorities opened warming centers for vulnerable residents. Weather experts, however, warned that visibility will remain poor, increasing the risk of accidents.
Flight Disruptions Mount as Airlines Issue Warnings
The storm has already triggered widespread travel disruption. So far, airlines have cancelled over 1,800 flights, data from FlightAware shows. Moreover, snow and ice have slowed operations at major airports across the South, Midwest, and East Coast.
Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines urged passengers to delay travel and rebook flights without penalties. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), on the other hand, warned that airports from Texas to the Northeast could face temporary closures. As a precaution, the agency is coordinating with airlines to reposition aircraft before conditions deteriorate further.
Power Outage Risks Rise as Storm Persists
Officials also warned that ice accumulation could trigger long-lasting power outages. Therefore, utility companies have positioned repair crews in high-risk areas. In the meantime, residents were advised to charge devices, store food, and follow local advisories.
Meteorologists stressed that dangerous conditions may last several days. Ultimately, authorities urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and stay alert as the storm continues its march across the US.
