Tens of millions of Americans are bracing for a massive winter storm that may bring the most snowfall and coldest temperatures in over a decade.
The storm, which began in the middle of the United States, is expected to move east over the next few days, according to the National Weather Service.
Kentucky and Virginia have declared states of emergency, and parts of the United States that are not used to severe cold, such as Mississippi and Florida, have been warned to prepare for treacherous conditions.
According to forecasters, the polar vortex, an area of cold air that circulates around the Arctic, is causing the extreme weather.
“For some, this could be the heaviest snowfall in over a decade,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warned.
According to AccuWeather forecaster Dan DePodwin, “This could lead to the coldest January for the US since 2011.”
He added that “temperatures that are well below the historical average” could last for a week.
Those low temperatures will also be felt on the east coast, where the storm is expected to arrive Sunday evening.
According to the NWS, the central United States will experience “considerable disruptions to daily life” as well as “dangerous or impossible driving conditions and widespread closures” through Sunday.
Some areas of Kansas and Indiana could get at least 8 inches (20.3 cm) of snow.
Blizzards may occur in certain parts of the Midwest.
“Whiteout conditions will make travel extremely hazardous, with impassable roads and a high risk of motorists becoming stranded,” according to the National Weather Service.
Sleet and freezing rain are forecast for Missouri, Illinois, and parts of Kentucky and West Virginia.
Forecasters predict that as the storm moves east, millions of Americans will experience record-low temperatures.
Cities such as Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia are bracing for snowy and icy conditions on Sunday into Monday. Snowfall of 5-12 inches may be recorded in parts of Virginia.
Severe thunderstorms are also possible on Sunday in parts of the southern United States, including Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Private meteorologist Ryan Maue stated, “It’s going to be a mess, a potential disaster. “This is something we haven’t seen in a while.”
American, Delta, Southwest, and United Airlines are waiving change fees for passengers due to potential flight disruptions.
