Over 200 million Americans are set to be impacted by a major winter storm bringing heavy snowfall, dangerous ice accumulations and well below-freezing temperatures over the weekend.
“High pressure moving southward from Central Canada will bring bitterly cold temperatures over the Plains, the Great Lakes, and the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic. While low pressure lingers over the Gulf Coast, a second area of low pressure moves northeastward along the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Coast through Sunday,” the National Weather Service said.
That system is expected to produce a “significant, long-duration winter storm, with widespread heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain from the Southern Rockies to New England, lasting from Friday through Monday.”
23 States Likely to See at Least One Foot of Snow
Over 30 states are expected to be impacted by the major storm, but 23 states are bracing for at least 12 inches of snow, according to the latest forecast from the Weather Channel.
Arkansas, Delaware, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Tennessee, West Virginia, Vermont and Virginia are all expected to see at least 12 inches of snow more than 18 inches possible across some states.
Snowfall Could Reach 30 Inches
According to latest data from Accuweather, as many as 200 million residents will be impacted with a large area having the potential to receive 6 to 12 inches of snow and accumulations reaching 24-30 inches in the hardest-hit areas.
“It is rare that storms combine this much snow, ice and bitter cold over such a large area — a widespread travel-halting winter storm will stall daily life for days in large portions of the central and eastern U.S.,” AccuWeather Senior Vice President Evan Myers said.
‘Catastrophic’ Ice Accumulations Expected in the South
Heavy snow isn’t the only danger in this storm. The National Weather Service warned that “catastrophic” ice accumulations are expected with power outages and extensive tree damage expected.
“The storm will cause significant to locally catastrophic ice accumulations with the potential for long-duration power outages, extensive tree damage, and extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions,” the NWS warned. “In the wake of the storm, communities from the Southern Plains to the Northeast will contend with bitterly cold temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills. This will cause prolonged hazardous travel and infrastructure impacts.”
How to Prepare for Major Snowfall, Ice
While the winter storm will create problems for millions of Americans, there are many way to prepare for the incoming snow and ice. Those in the path of the storm are encouraged to winterize outdoor faucets, apply these solutions for insulating windows, prepare for roof snow removal and apply salt to driveways and walkways in a manner that’s safe for children and pets.
Winter storm warnings for as many as 28 states will run from Friday, Jan. 23 through Monday, Jan. 26.
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