A massive winter storm is tightening its grip across the United States, pushing millions of people into dangerous cold, heavy snowfall, and widespread travel chaos. The storm, which began late Friday, is spreading rapidly and now threatens more than 200 million residents, making it one of the most severe weather events of the season.
Meteorologists say the storm will move across large parts of the country, creating life-threatening conditions as temperatures plunge and winds intensify. Authorities have urged people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as conditions worsen.
US Winter Storm: National Weather Service Warns of Life-Threatening Cold
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued urgent warnings as the Arctic blast brings sub-zero temperatures and powerful wind chills. Officials warned that the conditions are “extremely dangerous”, especially for people exposed to the cold for long periods.
The NWS said the freezing temperatures and wind chills “pose a life-threatening risk of hypothermia and frostbite to exposed skin”, prompting emergency alerts across several states. Weather experts expect the cold wave to linger into the coming week.
US Winter Storm Flights Canceled
The storm has already caused major disruption to air travel across the country. Nearly 4,000 flights were cancelled on Saturday, leaving passengers stranded at airports nationwide. Officials warned that more delays and cancellations could follow as snow, sleet, and freezing rain spread.
Transportation authorities in major cities issued alerts about hazardous road conditions, urging drivers to avoid highways whenever possible. Power outages have already been reported in several regions, including parts of Texas.
US Winter Storm:: Which US Cities Will See Heavy Snowfall?
Forecasters say the storm will blanket a wide stretch of the country with snow. Cities including Memphis, Nashville, Washington, DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York are expected to face significant snowfall over the weekend and early next week.
The Southern Rockies and Plains will also see heavy snow, which will push eastward into the Mid-Atlantic and eventually reach the Northeast. The NWS warned that parts of northeast New Jersey and southeast New York, including New York City, could receive 10 to 14 inches of snow between Sunday and Monday.
US Winter Storm: States Declare Emergency as Officials Prepare for Worst
Governors in several states — including Arkansas, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, and South Carolina — have already declared states of emergency to speed up disaster response and resource deployment.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul, speaking at a press conference on Friday, said the state has more than 1,600 snowploughs and 114,000 tonnes of salt ready. She warned that the storm would leave no part of the state “immune from feeling the effect of Mother Nature’s wrath”.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the city will deploy thousands of sanitation workers, along with 700 salt spreaders and 2,200 snow ploughs, once snow accumulation reaches two inches.
Officials across the US continue to urge residents to limit travel, prepare emergency kits, check heating systems, and look out for vulnerable neighbours. With the storm expected to intensify, authorities warn that the worst impacts may still lie ahead.
