Washington, Jan 23 (.) A massive winter storm is set to slam more than half of the United States, moving east as it brings heavy snow, widespread ice accumulation and dangerous cold, affecting more than 200 million people.
About two-thirds of the US could be affected by what will likely be the largest winter storm in at least five years.
Freezing rain, snow and rain started Friday in the Southern Plains, and is expected to move into the Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys on Saturday and then head into the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic on Sunday into Monday.
The system is forecast to be slow-moving, meaning long durations of snow and ice will have time to accumulate.
Up to a foot of snow is likely on the northern side of the system from Oklahoma to Massachusetts, according to the National Weather Service. On the southern side — which includes Texas, the Carolinas and Virginia — mixed precipitation is more likely.
Gusty winds are expected to drop wind chills below zero, with minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit possible in the northern and central Plains. Severe to catastrophic ice accumulation is possible and could lead to prolonged power outages, worsen the impacts of the cold weather and create hazardous travel conditions.
Over a dozen states have declared emergencies, and officials are urging residents to prepare for the storm and stay indoors.
Winter storm alerts continued to be issued from the Southern Plains across the South and into the Northeast.
Extreme cold temperatures are also a major concern. Friday morning, thermometers in the Minneapolis area were at 21 degrees below zero, with wind chills even colder. Temperatures through the weekend are expected to sink to record lows across parts of the Southern Plains and Mid-Atlantic.
A low-pressure system is forecast to develop in the Southwest and interact with incoming Gulf moisture and Arctic cold air. Forecast models indicate it will begin dropping precipitation on Friday in the Southern Plains.
The system is expected to slowly move eastward, bringing snow and accumulating ice.
Forecast models continue to change as the event nears, but it is set to impact broad swathes of the US, from Arizona to Maine, said National Weather Service meteorologists.
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