A new storm with the potential for catastrophic impacts is expected to hit parts of the United States before the weekend, bringing life-threatening cold air that may result in snow and ice affecting approximately 160 million people.
The storm is projected to move across Texas to the Carolinas, potentially causing widespread power outages due to ice accumulation on trees and power lines. Forecasts indicate that some regions could see more than 12 inches (30cm) of snow along with sleet and dangerous freezing rain.
A meteorological expert described the upcoming event as a significant and potentially catastrophic weather occurrence from Texas to the Carolinas. The former chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Ryan Maue, expressed concerns about the severity of the storm’s impact.
The National Weather Service (NWS) anticipates that life-threatening cold air will sweep eastward from the High Plains and Rockies starting on Friday, affecting around 160 million individuals across 30 states. Temperatures in certain areas are expected to plummet well below freezing levels.
The most extreme wind chills, reaching as low as -46C or -50F, are forecasted for the Northern Plains, while sub-zero conditions are also expected in a large portion of the southeastern United States. The NWS issued warnings about the potential risks of hypothermia and frostbite due to the severe wind chills.
Meanwhile, snow showers are already impacting the southern Great Lakes region along the US-Canada border, according to the NWS.
Weather experts have advised residents in various states, including Colorado, West Virginia, upstate New York, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Indiana, to prepare for significant snow accumulation exceeding 12 inches.
Southern states may experience freezing rain, which could lead to tree damage, power outages, and localized flooding.
Forecasters highlight the difficulty in predicting the specific areas that may be heavily impacted by ice accumulation. Keith Avery, CEO of the Newberry Electric Cooperative in South Carolina, expressed concerns about the potential catastrophic effects of significant ice buildup.
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