A powerful winter storm is affecting tens of millions of Americans from the Southern Plains through the Midwest and into the East Coast, creating hazardous conditions with snow, sleet, freezing rain and bitter cold.
The storm first developed over Texas and Oklahoma and is spreading eastward through the Ohio Valley and Mid Atlantic. Forecasters expect heavy snow in northern areas while southern regions face dangerous ice accumulation that could damage power lines and trees.
National Weather Service officials urged residents to take the storm seriously, warning that icy roads and extreme cold could put lives at risk. Wind chills in several regions are expected to drop into the single digits, with some areas feeling below zero overnight.
Several states have reported salt shortages as crews struggle to keep roads safe after a long winter season. Local officials in parts of Michigan, Vermont and Ohio said supplies are being conserved for major highways and emergency routes, while residential streets may see delayed treatment.
Air travel has already been disrupted with thousands of flights canceled or delayed across major airports. Schools and government offices in multiple states announced closures, and emergency shelters are preparing for those who may lose heat or power.
Meteorologists say this storm is not expected to reach the scale of historic systems such as the 1993 Storm of the Century, but its combination of snow and ice makes it one of the most dangerous weather events of the season.
Cold temperatures are forecast to linger into early next week, raising concerns about frozen pipes, continued travel delays and stress on infrastructure in areas hit hardest by freezing rain.
