A massive winter storm is forecast to unleash extreme freezing rain, damaging ice and heavy snow impacts across much of the southern, central and eastern United States beginning Friday, followed by repeated waves of bitter cold. More than 200 million people could be affected, with impacts expected to cascade nationwide through widespread power outages, travel shutdowns and business operations grinding to a halt.
“This winter storm will shut
Significant to severe freezing rain and ice impacts are forecast to begin in Texas on Friday, then extend across the South into the Carolinas over the weekend.
“The freezing rain and ice impacts could be devastating in some areas. Power lines can sag, and tree branches can easily snap under the weight of a quarter to half inch or more of ice in some places,” Porter warned. Along the northern side of the winter storm, widespread snowfall accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are forecast from central New Mexico to the Interstate 95 corridor in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, as well as southern New England.
“This could be the biggest snowstorm in more than five years for some areas. Parts of the mid-Atlantic could be buried in more than a foot of snow,”
Porter said. “Plow trucks and road crews may struggle to keep up with the heavy snowfall rates. People should be prepared for road and highway closures.”
Widespread power outages amid deep freeze
AccuWeather expert meteorologists say the risk of extended power outages in subfreezing temperatures is especially concerning for vulnerable populations.
“AccuWeather meteorologists are increasingly concerned that extended power outages during extreme cold could become life-threatening,” said AccuWeather Senior Storm Warning Meteorologist William Clark. “The sheer size of the freezing rain and ice footprint means utility crews may struggle to concentrate restoration efforts in any one area. Widespread ice accretions of one-half inch or more, followed by repeated surges of Arctic air next week, will significantly increase the risk of hypothermia, especially for vulnerable people, including older adults and those with medical conditions.”
“Everyone in the path of this storm should have emergency supplies, food, bottled water and a plan to charge their cell phone and stay warm with emergency heating options if the power goes out. Be prepared to be stuck at home for several days. The storm will stall daily life activities for several days in some places. It may be very difficult, if not impossible, to reach emergency shelters or warming centers,” Porter added.
Widespread snow and ice impacts could shut down travel, deliveries and supply chain logistics on roads and highways across large areas, spanning more than two dozen states over the weekend and into next week.
“Highway conditions can deteriorate fast in this type of storm. Freezing rain can turn roads, bridges, overpasses and ramps icy in a matter of minutes, increasing the risk of spinouts, pileup crashes and jackknifed trucks,” Porter said. “Travel will be treacherous, if not impossible. People trying to travel through this storm need to be prepared for the risk of being stuck or stranded in subfreezing temperatures for hours.”
Air travel to face significant, long-lasting impacts for days
AccuWeather expert meteorologists say air travel is expected to grind to a halt across much of the country this weekend.
“Air travel will likely be a nightmare this weekend into early next week,” Porter warned. “Travel chaos may ensue, making it very challenging for air passengers to make their way to their destinations, perhaps for days on end, as the US air system is impacted by the major storm and then begins the slow recovery process.”
Some people may be stuck at airports for an extended period of time. Freezing rain, ice, and snow at multiple major hubs, including Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington, D.C., New York City and Boston will send ripple effects nationwide. More than 6,000 flights in the U.S. could be cancelled between Saturday and Monday.” Porter added.
