A monster winter storm has started its march across the United States, and forecasters are warning it will be the biggest one in years. From Texas all the way up to Maine, the weather is shutting down travel, closing schools, and forcing governors to call in the National Guard for help.
AccuWeather meteorologists call it a “shut it all down” storm, and the effects are already being felt.
Travel is a Nightmare
If you planned to fly this weekend, check your app now. Airlines have already canceled over 2,000 flights. Experts think that number will jump to 6,000 by the time the weekend is over.
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The storm covers a massive path of about 2,000 miles. Because it hits so many major hubs—like New York, Chicago, and Dallas—it is causing a chain reaction of delays.
Major airlines like Delta, United, and Southwest are letting passengers change their tickets for free to avoid getting stuck at the airport.
Dangerous Cold and Power Outages
The scary part of this storm isn’t just the snow; it is the ice. Freezing rain is expected to coat power lines and trees from Texas to the Carolinas. A quarter-inch of ice is heavy enough to snap lines.
Meteorologists warn that over one million people could lose power. This is dangerous because bitter Arctic air is chasing the storm. In Minneapolis, the “RealFeel” temperature already hit 52 degrees below zero on Friday morning. If the power goes out, homes will lose heat while temperatures outside drop to life-threatening lows.
“It’s starting to freeze my beard and nose hairs,” said storm chaser Dr. Reed Timmer, reporting from the freezing Midwest for AccuWeather.
States Are Not Taking Chances
Government officials are moving fast. Thirteen states have declared a “State of Emergency.” This helps them get money and equipment where it is needed quickly.
- Oklahoma and Georgia have activated the National Guard. Soldiers are ready to rescue drivers who get stuck in the snow.
- Texas issued a disaster declaration for over 100 counties. They are worried about ice weighing down power lines.
- New York City is bracing for up to a foot of snow, the most they have seen in five years. Mayor Zohran Kwama Mamdani had a simple message for New Yorkers: “Stay home.”
Empty Shelves
People are rushing to stores to get ready. In places like Memphis, shoppers are finding empty shelves where bread and milk used to be.
If you still need to prepare, experts say to focus on the basics. Forget the milk if you might lose power. Instead, grab:
- Water (one gallon per person, per day).
- Food that doesn’t need cooking (like peanut butter, tuna, and crackers).
- Batteries for flashlights.
The storm will rage through the weekend, with the coldest air settling in by Monday. Stay safe and stay off the roads if you can.
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