A significant winter storm is expected to sweep across a large portion of the southern and eastern United States this weekend, bringing heavy snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures. Meteorologists warn that the system could impact more than 180 million people, making it one of the most disruptive winter weather events of the season.

The storm is forecast to stretch from Texas all the way to Massachusetts, with a wide range of winter hazards including snow, sleet, freezing rain, and strong winds. Major cities expected to feel the effects include Dallas, Austin, Oklahoma City, Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston.

Widespread Impacts Expected

The combination of snow and ice could lead to power outages, hazardous travel conditions, flight cancellations, and school closures across multiple states. Cold air moving in behind the storm will likely slow recovery efforts by keeping snow and ice on the ground longer than usual.

AccuWeather warns that hundreds of thousands of residents could lose power and heat for several days, especially in areas affected by freezing rain and ice accumulation.

Winter Storm Watches in Effect

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm watches for at least 70 million people, covering areas from New Mexico to North Carolina, including parts of Texas. Officials urge residents and businesses to prepare in advance for what could be a long-lasting and impactful storm.

Expected Snowfall and Ice Accumulation

Heavy Snow

According to the NWS, heavy snowfall is likely from the Southern Rockies and south-central Plains through the mid-Atlantic region. Snow-covered roads and reduced visibility are expected to create major travel disruptions.

• Central Plains: Forecasts call for 6 to 12 inches of snow

• Appalachians: Some areas could see more than 2 feet

• Northeast: Snow totals will depend on the storm’s track, but a significant, plowable snowfall is possible

Ice Threat in the South

South of the main snow zone, freezing rain and sleet are expected across parts of the Southern Plains, Mid-South, and Carolinas. Ice accumulation could become severe, leading to downed trees, damaged power lines, and prolonged power outages.

A thick layer of ice is expected from Texas through the Carolinas, making roads extremely dangerous.

Storm Timeline

Friday:
Wintry precipitation is expected to begin late morning or early afternoon across parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, and northern and western Texas, potentially spreading east into western Tennessee and northern Mississippi.

Saturday:
The storm may push farther south, affecting Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, while continuing northeast through Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and the Carolinas.

Sunday:
By midday, wintry weather should taper off in Texas, Oklahoma, and the lower Mississippi Valley. However, snow and ice will continue across the Ohio Valley, Virginia, the Carolinas, and the Northeast, with some areas seeing heavy snowfall. Snow and strong winds in the Northeast may persist into Monday morning.

Travel and School Disruptions Likely

Travel across the country is expected to be heavily affected. AccuWeather estimates that more than 4,000 flight cancellations could occur nationwide over the weekend. Many school districts are also expected to announce closures or delays as the storm lingers in several regions.

Stay Prepared

Residents, travelers, and professional drivers are encouraged to monitor local forecasts closely, avoid unnecessary travel, and prepare for potential power outages and extended cold conditions.