If you thought winter was winding down, think again. A massive winter storm system is spreading across the U.S., putting over 20 million people under winter weather alerts. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain are already making a mess of roads, forcing flight cancellations, and knocking out power in some areas.
For those in the storm’s path, this isn’t just another chilly day—it’s a potentially dangerous weather event that could make travel nearly impossible and leave thousands without electricity in freezing temperatures. If you’re in an affected area, now is the time to prepare.
Who’s Getting Hit the Hardest?
Mid-Atlantic and Northeast
People in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia are already seeing the first wave of snow and ice. While these areas won’t get buried under deep snow, that doesn’t mean they’re off the hook. Even a small amount of ice can make roads treacherous and lead to power outages.
- Higher elevations in Virginia, West Virginia, and parts of New Jersey could see 3 to 5 inches of snow, enough to cause slick roads and travel delays.
- Western North Carolina is under an ice storm warning, meaning power lines and trees could come crashing down under the weight of the ice.
- New York City and surrounding areas won’t get much snow, but icy conditions will still make travel tricky over the next 48 hours.
Midwest
While the Mid-Atlantic gets a mix of snow and ice, the Midwest is preparing for a full-blown snowstorm.
- Cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Kansas City are under Winter Storm Watches, with several inches of snow expected by Wednesday night.
- Winds will pick up, leading to whiteout conditions that could make driving extremely dangerous.
- Airports are already experiencing delays and cancellations as airlines prepare for worsening conditions.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
- Tuesday: Snow and ice will continue in the Mid-Atlantic, making roads slippery and leading to isolated power outages.
- Wednesday: A second, more powerful storm system will hit the Midwest, bringing heavy snow and dangerous winds that could make travel impossible in some areas.
- Thursday & Friday: The system moves toward the Northeast and Great Lakes, bringing more snow, sleet, and ice, making for a messy end to the workweek.
With storms moving quickly and conditions constantly changing, it’s important to stay updated and be prepared.
How to Stay Safe as the Storm Unfolds
With so many people affected, preparing ahead of time could save you from a lot of trouble later. Here’s what you can do now:
- Stay off the roads unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you have to drive, keep extra blankets, snacks, and a flashlight in your car.
- Prepare for possible power outages. Charge your phone, grab some extra batteries, and have a backup heat source if possible.
- Stock up on groceries and essentials. Shelves tend to empty fast before a storm, so grab what you need before the rush.
- Check on neighbors and loved ones. Older adults and people without reliable heat may need extra help. Make sure they have what they need.
- Bring pets indoors! If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.
Final Warning: This Storm Is Just Getting Started
With over 20 million people under winter weather alerts, this storm has the potential to cause widespread travel disruptions, power outages, and dangerously cold conditions. If you live in an affected area, don’t wait until it’s too late—take action now to stay safe.
Conditions are changing fast, and this storm could become even more disruptive than expected. Stay warm, stay safe, and keep checking for updates as this winter weather system unfolds
