Parts of the U.S. Face Up to 12 Inches of Snow and Dangerous Cold

Parts of the United States are preparing for a powerful winter storm that could bring up to 12 inches of snow along with dangerously cold air. Forecasters warn that the combination of heavy snowfall, extreme wind chills, and rapidly dropping temperatures may create hazardous travel conditions and pose serious risks to health and safety. Residents in affected regions are urged to take precautions as life-threatening cold settles in.

A surge of Arctic air is poised to barrel across large swathes of the United States in the days ahead, setting the stage for brutal cold and heavy snowfall that could top 12 inches in some locations before the weekend wraps up.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service warn that dangerously cold air will creep eastward from the High Plains and Rocky Mountains starting Friday, spreading snow and ice across roughly 30 states and affecting nearly 160 million people.

Weather experts say temperatures in several regions are expected to drop far below the freezing mark.

Meanwhile, lake-effect snow is already hitting parts of the country downwind of the Great Lakes along the US–Canada border, adding to the growing list of weather concerns. Transportation officials, including airport authorities in major cities, are urging travelers to prepare for widespread delays as the powerful system advances across the country over the weekend.

The storm is forecast to develop over Texas and New Mexico before pushing east, coating major cities such as Memphis, Nashville, Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York in snow. According to the National Weather Service, wind chills in the Northern Plains could plunge below minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit, while a broad stretch of the southeastern US may also endure sub-zero conditions.

Officials warn that exposure to these extreme wind chills could quickly lead to frostbite or hypothermia, posing serious risks to anyone outdoors. Although precise snowfall totals in cities are still uncertain, meteorologists say some areas are likely to be buried under more than a foot of snow.

Data from the NWS Probabilistic Precipitation Portal suggests the heaviest snowfall zone could stretch from Colorado through West Virginia and into upstate New York. Other states, including Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Indiana, could also see snow pile up to around 12 inches deep.

Farther south, freezing rain may create a different hazard, glazing trees with ice, weighing down branches, and increasing the risk of power outages. In some low-lying areas, heavy rain and thunderstorms could also trigger localized flooding.

In response to potential disruptions, several airlines are allowing passengers to change flights without additional fees as cancellations become more likely. North of the border, Canada is facing its own wave of frigid temperatures, with eastern and Atlantic regions possibly seeing snow, though meteorologists say it is still too early to gauge the full impact.

Governors in multiple US states, including Arkansas, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, and South Carolina, have declared states of emergency, enabling emergency services and National Guard units to prepare and mobilize.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the state is taking action now to ensure communities have the resources they need ahead of the severe winter conditions. The warnings revive memories of the devastating 2021 Texas winter storm, when a grid failure left millions without power for days.

Officials caution that the incoming cold could once again cause pipes to freeze and burst, leading to property damage. Travel could also grind to a halt in some areas, particularly in southern states where snow-clearing resources are limited. Forecasters say the bitter cold is likely to linger into next week, extending the period of risk and disruption.

For questions or comments write to contactus@bostonbrandmedia.com‍

Source: BBC‍