A major winter storm is heading toward the central United States, bringing cold Arctic temperatures and heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain. The storm is expected to hit about a dozen states from the Central Plains to the Mid-Atlantic this weekend, causing travel disruptions, road closures, flight delays, and power outages. It is expected to last from Saturday through Monday.
This storm will bring some of the heaviest snowfalls in years, with some areas seeing up to eight inches of snow. High winds of over 35 miles per hour may create blizzard-like conditions in the Central Plains by Sunday, making driving hazardous and even dangerous. Cities like St. Louis, Chicago, and Cincinnati are already preparing their roads by pre-treating them and getting warming centers ready.
After the storm moves through, extremely cold Arctic air will settle in, bringing some of the coldest temperatures of the season. Some areas may experience wind chills as low as -10°F or colder. The frigid weather will last for several days, even reaching areas near the Gulf Coast and Florida.
State officials are already preparing for the worst. In Missouri, the National Guard has been put on standby, and Virginia’s governor declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm. Residents are urged to avoid traveling on Sunday and to stay inside as much as possible.
The storm will begin in Denver on Saturday evening and will quickly strengthen as it moves through Kansas and Nebraska. By Sunday, it will spread to the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys and the Mid-Atlantic region, reaching cities like Washington, D.C., by Sunday night into Monday.
Sleet and freezing rain are also expected, particularly in the Mid-South. This could cause hazardous conditions as the rain freezes on roads, trees, and power lines, leading to ice accumulations and disruptions. Some areas in the southern Appalachian Mountains may also see ice on Sunday night.
As the storm passes, temperatures will drop sharply, creating the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Authorities are urging people to stay prepared and avoid unnecessary travel during this extreme weather event.
