Winter storm grips U.S, Over 150 million under weather alerts

New York: A powerful winter storm sweeping across the United States has placed more than 150 million Americans under weather alerts, bringing heavy snow, ice, sleet and dangerously cold temperatures to large parts of the country.

The storm began early Friday with heavy snowfall across Northwest Texas and Oklahoma City, marking the start of what forecasters describe as one of the most widespread winter weather events of the season.

Driven by an intense surge of Arctic air from Canada, the storm is expected to track eastward through the weekend, impacting regions from the Southern Plains and Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

Meteorologists have warned that the system will produce a hazardous mix of snow and freezing rain, creating treacherous travel conditions and increasing the risk of power outages.

In response to the growing threat, at least 15 states and Washington, D.C. have declared states of emergency, allowing authorities to mobilize emergency personnel, deploy National Guard units, and pre-position road treatment and utility crews. Officials have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for prolonged disruptions.

The storm has already caused significant travel impacts, with more than 1,800 flights canceled nationwide as airlines adjusted schedules ahead of worsening conditions. Major transportation hubs across Texas, the Midwest and the East Coast are bracing for additional delays and cancellations as the storm intensifies.

The National Weather Service predicted heavy snowfall from Oklahoma to the Northeast where over a foot of snow is possible for some locations through Monday.

“In addition, widespread freezing rain and sleet are expected across the Southern Plains, the Lower Mississippi Valley, the Tennessee Valley, and the Southeast. The storm will cause significant to locally catastrophic ice accumulations with the potential for long-duration power outages, extensive tree damage, and extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions,” NWS wrote on X.

Forecasters say ice accumulation may pose the greatest danger in several areas, with freezing rain capable of downing trees and power lines.

Heavy snowfall is also expected in parts of the Midwest and Northeast, where some locations could see more than a foot of snow. Temperatures are forecast to plunge well below seasonal averages, with wind chills reaching dangerously low levels in northern states.

Emergency management agencies continue to monitor the situation closely as the storm advances, warning that conditions could deteriorate rapidly. Residents across affected regions are being advised to stay informed through local weather alerts, keep emergency supplies on hand and limit travel until the storm passes.

The winter storm is expected to continue impacting large portions of the country into early next week, with lingering cold likely to slow recovery efforts even after snowfall tapers off.