A powerful winter storm is sweeping across the United States, placing more than 200 million Americans at risk of heavy snow, freezing rain and dangerously low temperatures. Forecasters warn the system could cause widespread power outages, hazardous travel and record-breaking cold.
The National Weather Service says ice and sleet are affecting the Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley, while heavy snowfall is spreading from the Southern Rockies and Plains into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Officials caution that travel may become extremely dangerous or completely impassable in some areas.
Power outages are already mounting. More than 84,000 customers are without electricity nationwide, according to PowerOutage.com. Texas accounts for over 43,000 outages, while Louisiana, Arkansas and California have also reported thousands of affected customers. While not all outages are confirmed to be storm-related, officials have repeatedly warned of stress on the power grid.
In the Northeast, major cities including Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York and Boston are bracing for significant snowfall. Parts of New Jersey and southeast New York, including New York City, could receive 10 to 14 inches of snow between Sunday and Monday. Southern New England, including Boston, may see up to 17 inches, accompanied by strong wind gusts.
Temperatures are expected to plunge across much of the country. Wind chills could drop to -26C in New England and below -46C across the Northern Plains, potentially breaking long-standing cold records. Freezing temperatures are also forecast across a wide swathe of the south-eastern US.
At least 16 states are under states of emergency as the storm continues to intensify. Transportation officials and airport authorities are warning of widespread delays and cancellations through the weekend, as authorities urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for prolonged disruptions.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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