A huge winter storm is sweeping the United States, putting millions under winter weather alerts and bringing the most snowfall in more than ten years to some areas of the nation. Forecasters warn that the storm will affect more than a dozen states, bringing with it dangerously low temperatures, power outages, and hazardous travel conditions.
Beginning in the Central Plains on Saturday, the storm is moving toward the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic regions, bringing a mix of snow, ice, and freezing rain. Northeastern Kansas and north-central Missouri are bracing for more than 15 inches of snow, with the National Weather Service describing it as a record-breaking event for some areas.
Blizzard conditions are forecast for the Central Plains, where wind gusts over 35 mph could create whiteouts, making roads impassable and travel nearly impossible. Indiana and central Kansas could see up to 8 inches of snow, while the Central Appalachians face freezing rain and ice, increasing the risk of fallen trees and power outages.
Winter storm warnings extend from Kansas to Virginia, impacting over 32 million people. Additionally, lake effect snow warnings are in effect for parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, where totals could reach 2 feet.
The storm’s aftermath will bring bitterly cold temperatures, plunging 10 to 20 degrees below average and compounding challenges for those in affected regions. Forecasters are urging caution, as the lingering cold may keep ice and snow on the ground for days, further exacerbating the disruption caused by this historic storm.
