A major winter storm has triggered high alert across much of the US.
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| Snow falls near the US Capitol, captured by Getty Images. |
Tens of millions of Americans are preparing for a massive winter storm that may bring the heaviest snowfall and lowest temperatures in over ten years.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the storm, which began in the central US, is expected to move eastward over the coming days.
A state of emergency has been declared in Kentucky and Virginia, while areas unaccustomed to severe cold, such as Mississippi and Florida, have been warned of potentially dangerous conditions.
Weather experts attribute the extreme conditions to the polar vortex, a mass of frigid air circulating around the Arctic.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) stated, "For some, this could be the heaviest snowfall in over a decade."
AccuWeather forecaster Dan DePodwin mentioned, "This could result in the coldest January for the US since 2011."
He also noted that "temperatures well below historical averages" may persist for a week.
The low temperatures are expected to affect the east coast as well, with the storm reaching the region by Sunday evening.
The central US is anticipating "significant disruptions to daily life" and "dangerous or impassable driving conditions, along with widespread closures" into Sunday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Some parts of Kansas and Indiana could see snow accumulations of at least 8 inches (20.3 cm).
Blizzards are possible in certain Midwest areas.
The NWS warned, "Whiteout conditions will make travel extremely hazardous, with roads becoming impassable and a high risk of motorists being stranded."
Sleet and freezing rain are forecast for Missouri, Illinois, and large parts of Kentucky and West Virginia.
As the storm progresses eastward, millions more Americans will experience record-low temperatures, according to forecasters.
Cities like Washington DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia are preparing for snowy and icy conditions from Sunday through Monday. Snowfall of 5-12 inches is expected in parts of Virginia.
On Sunday, parts of the southern US, including Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, may face severe thunderstorms.
Private meteorologist Ryan Maue described the situation as "a mess, a potential disaster. This is something we haven't seen in quite a while."
Major airlines, including American, Delta, Southwest, and United, are waiving change fees for passengers due to the expected flight disruptions.
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