A sprawling winter storm is set to hammer the United States this weekend, threatening tens of millions of Americans with icy roads, heavy snow, and widespread power outages.
From New Mexico to the Carolinas, residents brace for a crippling mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow, while northern states, including parts of New England, may face travel virtually impossible conditions.
The National Weather Service reported that more than 100 million people were under winter weather watches, warnings, or advisories by Wednesday. At least 19 states are in the storm’s direct path, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, the Carolinas, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, and northern states farther east, prompting urgent preparations from municipal authorities and residents alike.
Forecasters warn that a half-inch (1.27 cm) of ice could fall across southern states, enough to down trees and power lines.
In the northern plains, extreme wind chills could make temperatures feel as cold as minus 45.6 degrees Celsius (114.08 degrees Fahrenheit) in parts of Minnesota and North Dakota.
