A dangerous new storm is expected to impact parts of the United States before the weekend, with forecasters warning of “life-threatening cold air” that could result in snow and ice affecting approximately 160 million people.
The storm is anticipated to hit from late this week into the weekend, moving across Texas to the Carolinas, potentially causing widespread power outages due to ice accumulation on trees and power lines. Some regions may experience over 12 inches (30cm) of snow, along with sleet and hazardous freezing rain.
A meteorological expert described the upcoming weather event as a “potentially catastrophic” occurrence spanning from Texas to the Carolinas. Ryan Maue, a former chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, expressed concerns about the severity of the storm.
The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts that “life-threatening cold air” will move eastward from the High Plains and Rockies starting on Friday, bringing wintry conditions to around 160 million people across 30 states. Temperatures in certain areas are expected to plummet significantly below freezing levels.
Extreme wind chills reaching as low as -46C or -50F are forecasted for the Northern Plains, with sub-zero temperatures also expected in a large portion of the southeastern U.S., posing a risk of hypothermia and frostbite due to the cold conditions.
Meanwhile, snow showers are affecting the southern Great Lakes region along the U.S.-Canada border, as mentioned by the NWS.
Residents in various states, including Colorado, West Virginia, upstate New York, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Indiana, should prepare for significant snow accumulation exceeding 12 inches (1 foot). Additionally, regions further south may experience freezing rain, potentially leading to power outages, flooding, and tree damage.
Forecasters highlight the uncertainty in predicting the specific areas that may be heavily impacted by ice accumulation, emphasizing the potential catastrophic consequences of significant ice accumulation. Keith Avery, CEO of the Newberry Electric Cooperative in South Carolina, emphasized the dangers associated with ice buildup during severe weather events.