A potentially severe new storm is poised to hit parts of the US before the weekend, with experts concerned about life-threatening cold air bringing snow and ice to approximately 160 million individuals. The storm is expected to sweep through from Texas to the Carolinas, potentially causing widespread power outages as ice accumulation threatens trees and power lines. Forecasts indicate that certain regions could receive over 12 inches (30cm) of snow, coupled with sleet and hazardous freezing rain.
A weather specialist described the impending weather event as a broad and potentially catastrophic occurrence from Texas to the Carolinas. Ryan Maue, a former chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, expressed uncertainty about how people will cope with the situation. The National Weather Service (NWS) anticipates life-threatening cold air moving eastward from the High Plains and Rockies starting Friday, affecting around 160 million people across 30 states with snow and ice. Drastic temperature decreases below freezing are expected in some areas.
The most severe wind chills (-46C or -50F) are predicted in the Northern Plains, with sub-zero conditions also forecast for a significant portion of the southeastern US. The NWS cautioned that these wind chills present a life-threatening risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Snow showers are currently affecting the southern Great Lakes region along the US-Canada border, according to the NWS.
Weather experts have cautioned residents in multiple states, including Colorado, West Virginia, upstate New York, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Indiana, to prepare for over 12 inches of snow. Southern states could face freezing rain, potentially leading to tree damage, power outages, and localized flooding.
Predicting the specific areas that may be impacted by ice remains challenging at this point. Keith Avery, CEO of the Newberry Electric Cooperative in South Carolina, highlighted the catastrophic potential of even half an inch or an inch of ice accumulation.
