As the United States braces for an exceptionally brutal winter storm, meteorologists warn of “extremely dangerous” conditions that could pose a life-threatening risk to millions across the country. The powerful system is expected to sweep through much of the nation, leaving a trail of heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and record-breaking low temperatures in its wake.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), more than 160 million Americans are likely to face the wrath of this Arctic blast, which is forecast to track eastward from the High Plains and Rockies. The NWS has cautioned that the sub-zero temperatures and biting wind chills “pose a life-threatening risk of hypothermia and frostbite to exposed skin.”
The winter storm is set to move slowly across the US, blanketing cities from Memphis to New York with significant snowfall. Regions stretching from Colorado to West Virginia to Boston could see over a foot of snow, while the Southeastern US is also expected to experience freezing temperatures.
Governors in several states, including Arkansas, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, and South Carolina, have already declared states of emergency, allowing emergency officials and National Guard troops to mobilise their response efforts. Airlines have also offered passengers the option to change their flights without incurring additional fees due to concerns about potential cancellations.
Transportation officials, including airport authorities in major cities, have warned of widespread travel disruptions, delays, and cancellations over the weekend. Motorists have been advised to avoid driving, as travel is expected to be “nearly impossible during the peak of the storm,” according to NWS meteorologists Rich Otto and Tony Fracaso.
The situation is not limited to the United States, as Canada is also bracing for the impact of this extreme weather system. Freezing temperatures have already gripped the country, and meteorologist Geoff Coulson told CBC that snowfall is expected in the eastern and Atlantic regions on Monday.
As the nation prepares for the onslaught of this “extremely dangerous” winter storm, authorities are urging the public to take necessary precautions and heed the warnings to ensure their safety during this challenging period.
