Brace yourself, folks, because a powerful winter storm is upon us, and it's time to get prepared! This storm is no ordinary visitor; it's carving its way across the eastern US, bringing a mix of heavy snow, treacherous ice, and bitterly cold temperatures. From New Mexico to New England, more than 30 states are on high alert, with watches, warnings, and advisories in place.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is particularly concerned about freezing rain and ice, predicting catastrophic accumulations across the Southern Plains and the Southeast/Mid-Atlantic. As NWS meteorologist Nicholas Price from Texas puts it, "Whenever we see these big ice events, we'll encounter various hazards, from frozen bridges and overpasses to fallen trees and other obstacles blocking roads or even homes."
But here's where it gets controversial: the impact of this storm extends beyond just the weather itself. With over 8,000 flights canceled across the US this weekend, travel will be severely disrupted. And that's not all - the storm's aftermath could lead to potential power outages, water service disruptions, and even dangerous travel conditions due to ice accumulation, which is harder to clear than snow.
So, what can we do to stay safe during this winter storm? Well, first, let's take a look at some advice from past cold blasts. When temperatures drop to dangerous levels, as they are expected to this weekend, it's crucial to take precautions if you have to venture outdoors. And don't forget about our furry friends - animals are also at risk when exposed to prolonged cold. Keep them warm and safe, too!
Now, let's dive into the state-by-state breakdown of preparations and responses to this winter storm:
Alabama:
- Governor Kay Ivey has issued a state of emergency for 19 northern counties ahead of the storm.
- Ivey urges Alabamians, especially those in the northern part of the state, to stay weather-aware and be prepared.
Arkansas:
- Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency on Thursday.
- Arkansas Department of Transportation warns that this storm system is different from typical winter storms and will make road clearing a challenging task.
Connecticut:
- Governor Ned Lamont has activated the state's Severe Cold Weather Protocol, which helps provide shelter space and transportation to those in need.
- Parts of Connecticut could receive over a foot of snow, and Governor Lamont assures that plows, drivers, and utility crews are ready to respond.
Georgia:
- Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency on Thursday, allowing for the deployment of 500 Georgia National Guard troops as needed.
- The University of Georgia has urged students to return home after their classes on Friday.
Indiana:
- Governor Mike Braun activated the Indiana National Guard and the Indiana State Police on Friday.
- The National Weather Service warns of frostbite and predicts temperatures as low as -25 degrees in some areas.
Kentucky:
- The NWS predicts that central and eastern Kentucky could see the most snow in 10 years.
- In Lexington, the storm is expected to rank among the top ten since 1887.
- Western Kentucky is predicted to experience periods of heavy sleet with freezing rain, including some sleet accumulation and a light glaze of freezing rain.
- Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency.
- The Kentucky Emergency Management agency stands ready to clear roads and provide shelter to those in need.
Louisiana:
- Governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency on Thursday, activating the state's emergency response and recovery program.
- In the city of Monroe, Mayor Friday Ellis declared a state of emergency.
Maine:
- Temperatures in parts of Maine could drop as low as -20 degrees.
- Meteorologist Steven Baron from Gray predicts the coldest temperatures in the northern regions and across the Western Maine mountains.
Maryland:
- Governor Wes Moore has declared a state of preparedness.
- The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter is seeking people to foster dogs during the winter storm.
Massachusetts:
- In Boston, the storm is expected to be both intense and long-lasting, with the heaviest snowfall on Sunday night, possibly reaching 2-4 inches per hour.
- South of the city, the snow may become quite sticky for a while.
- Expect slick roads, travel delays, and flight cancellations into Monday.
Missouri:
- The Kansas City metro is under a winter storm warning.
- The St. Louis region is under a winter storm watch until noon on Sunday, and Governor Mike Kehoe has declared a state of emergency.
- St. Louis is piloting a new plowing protocol and adding emergency beds ahead of severe weather.
- The Missouri Department of Transportation's team will be fully deployed across the state, with 3,000 workers operating in two shifts daily until conditions return to normal.
- Additional Crisis Cold Weather Shelters will be open this weekend.
- Bonus: St. Louis Public Radio recommends a recipe to help you warm up during the cold!
Nebraska:
- Dozens of school districts across Nebraska have canceled Friday classes due to the storm warnings.
- Several cities, including Lincoln and Omaha, are activating warming centers for those seeking relief from the frigid temperatures.
New Hampshire:
- New Hampshire Public Radio provides resources for finding shelters and staying safe as the state braces for extreme cold.
New York:
- Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency as the entire state prepares.
- In addition to heavy snowfall in some areas, it will be dangerously cold, with wind chills as low as 50 below zero in parts of the North Country.
- Much of Central New York is preparing for a week-long winter cold snap.
- On Long Island, highway superintendents are preparing by checking snow fences and readying large snow-blowing trucks to manage snowdrifts.
- NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing questions about school closures for next week, but he has announced that New York City public schools will remain open on Monday, despite the forecast.
North Carolina:
- Governor Josh Stein is warning North Carolinians to stay off the roads over the weekend and prepare for potential power outages due to ice-laden tree limbs.
- NCDOT crews are currently brining roads, but officials warn that travel will become extremely hazardous from Saturday night through early next week.
- NWS Meteorologist Tom Green predicts that precipitation moving into the Piedmont on Saturday may begin as snow but could transition to sleet and freezing rain later.
- For more tips and resources in North Carolina, head to WNCW.
Ohio:
- The NWS predicts up to a foot of snow in central Ohio this weekend.
- Forecasters urge people to run errands and stock up on supplies before Saturday afternoon, when the snow is expected to begin.
- In Northeast Ohio, emergency doctors warn that frostbite can develop faster than many parents realize, especially in children.
- Dr. Jeremiah Escajeda advises dressing children in layers, keeping extremities covered, and changing out of wet clothing to prevent frostbite.
Oklahoma:
- Oklahoma State climatologist Gary McManus compares the next few days to a record-setting winter storm in 2011, with temperatures forecast to drop as low as -15 over the weekend.
Pennsylvania:
- Philadelphia schools will be closed on Monday, and the city will be under a snow emergency beginning 9 p.m. on Saturday.
- Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor expects the worst from the storm, which is projected to bring 9-14 inches of snow to the area.
- Central Pennsylvania will also see double-digit snowfall and cold temperatures.
Tennessee:
- The City of Memphis is preparing residents for dangerous travel, potential power outages, and disruptions to water service.
- Weather forecasters are monitoring the potential for ice accumulation, which poses a greater danger than snow and cannot be effectively cleared by snow plows.
Texas:
- Governor Greg Abbott issued disaster declarations for more than 130 counties ahead of a winter freeze expected to bring subfreezing temperatures and the chance of ice or snow.
- Local officials in the Austin area have provided specific updates.
- Emergency operations are activated, and alerts have gone out for areas like the Hill Country and Boerne.
- Electricity providers are preparing for potential outages.
- KUT offers tips on preparing your home and car for extreme weather and provides links for up-to-date Texas weather information.
- Ahead of the winter freeze, volunteers documented Tarrant County's homeless population, with a focus on weather this year.
- Grocery stores in the Houston area are bracing for a spike in demand due to panic buying.
- Winter weather could affect turnout for the special election runoff in the 18th Congressional District.
- For more resources in Texas, head to Houston Public Media, Texas Public Radio, or KERA News.
Vermont:
- In some parts of Vermont, the NWS forecasts wind chills as low as -40 degrees, and much of the state is under an extreme cold watch.
- Seven extreme cold weather shelter locations will be open over the weekend, providing shelter when temperatures fall below freezing.
Virginia:
- Governor Abigail Spanberger issued an emergency declaration, and the Commonwealth has mobilized resources and response efforts.
- Central Virginia, specifically Richmond and Charlottesville, has increased its resources to prepare for the storm.
West Virginia:
- Governor Patrick Morrisey has declared a state of preparedness for every county, allowing the state's Emergency Management Division to get staff and equipment ready.
Stay tuned for more updates as this winter storm unfolds, and remember to prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you! And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about surviving the storm, but also about being prepared for the aftermath and potential challenges it may bring. So, stay informed, stay warm, and stay safe, everyone!
