Monster winter storm threatens 200 million, triggering emergencies in 35 states

SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND: A sprawling and powerful winter storm is sweeping across the United States, placing more than 200 million people under weather alerts and prompting emergency declarations across large portions of the country.

Forecasters say the massive system, which spans more than 2,300 miles and impacts 35 states as it moves from the Southern Rockies toward the Northeast.

At least 17 states and Washington DC have declared states of emergency, while nine states have activated National Guard units to support response and recovery efforts.

Weather officials warn that the storm’s scale, duration and intensity make it particularly dangerous, with snow, ice and extreme cold combining to create widespread disruptions.

Ice threat raises concern in the south

According to the National Weather Service, southern states face a significant threat from ice accumulation.

Forecasters warn that freezing rain could coat roads, trees and power lines, creating conditions far more hazardous than snowfall alone. 

Ice is considerably more difficult to clear, sharply, increases the likelihood of crashes, and is a leading cause of widespread electrical outages.

In some parts of the South, ice accumulation could approach one inch, with portions of Texas, Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee potentially receiving up to three-quarters of an inch.

The National Weather Service warned that impacts could become severe where ice accumulation exceeds half an inch, particularly across northern Louisiana, central and northern Mississippi, southern Tennessee and the southern Appalachian region. 

Forecasters warn of heavy snow, ice and power outages

National Weather Service said the storm system is expected to deliver a prolonged mix of heavy snow and freezing rain, significantly increasing the risk of hazardous travel, power outages and structural damage.

“A significant, long-duration winter storm will bring widespread impacts from the Southern Rockies to New England,” the agency said, adding that tree damage, road closures and extended power outages are likely in many areas.

Snowfall totals could be extreme in the hardest-hit areas, with parts of Kentucky and Virginia facing up to two feet of snow between Saturday and Monday.

Several major cities are also bracing for significant accumulation, with New York City, Boston and Oklahoma City forecast to receive 12 to 18 inches.

Even regions on the storm's outer edges could see 1 to 6 inches of snow, enough to disrupt travel and daily life across vast portions of the country.

Extreme cold intensifies dangers

Bitter cold is compounding the storm’s impact, creating conditions where melting snow can rapidly refreeze into solid ice.

Strong winds are further driving wind chills to dangerous levels.

More than 43 million people are currently under extreme cold warnings, meaning temperatures or wind chills could fall below 5 degrees Fahrenheit within hours.

Another 22 million are under extreme cold watches, signaling similar conditions within the next two days.

Meanwhile, over 146 million Americans are covered by cold weather advisories, issued when temperatures or wind chills are expected to drop to 15 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

Authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel, prepare for potential power outages and check on vulnerable individuals as the storm continues its path eastward. 

Over 9000 flights canceled

More than 9,000 weekend flights were canceled as the country braces for a winter storm. 

 American Airlines, Southwest, and Delta reported the highest cancellations, with major impacts at hubs like Dallas–Fort Worth and Atlanta.

American Airlines led cancellations with 1,546 flights, followed by Southwest’s 1,243 and Delta’s 911.

American Airlines also announced adding 3,000 extra flights between Charlotte and Chicago to ease disruptions.