A massive winter storm is set to wreak havoc across a 2092km swath of the United States, affecting an estimated 62 million people starting on Saturday afternoon and continuing into Monday. This powerful weather system will bring heavy snow, treacherous ice, rain, and severe thunderstorms to areas from the Plains to the East Coast, disrupting daily life and creating dangerous travel conditions.
Unleashing Nature’s Fury
The storm, fueled by a deep surge of moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, will unleash a wintry mess of snow, ice, and rain across at least a dozen states. Winds gusting up to 64km/h will create treacherous travel conditions and potential power outages, with some areas experiencing the heaviest snowfall in over a decade.
Buried Under Snow
Snowfall will bury parts of the Midwest and mid-Atlantic, with the highest totals expected in colder areas like Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia. Major cities like St. Louis, Kansas City, and Indianapolis are bracing for potentially historic snowfall totals, with some areas likely to see record-breaking levels for January.
Treacherous Ice Ahead
Significant icing is forecast from Kansas and Missouri through the central Appalachians, posing a nearly impossible travel situation. Governors of Kentucky, Virginia, and Maryland have declared states of emergency, urging residents to prepare for power outages and dangerous road conditions.
Damaging Thunderstorms and Soaking Rain
The southern side of the storm will bring rain and severe thunderstorms to parts of the South, with a level 3 threat of severe weather in place for areas like Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Damaging wind gusts, hail, and even tornadoes are possible, along with the risk of flooding in the Southeast.
As the storm exits the East Coast, Arctic cold will plunge temperatures well below normal, locking in any snow and ice that falls. The aftermath of this massive storm will be felt for days to come, with frigid temperatures lasting well into January.
So, as you prepare for the wrath of this winter storm, remember to stay safe, stay informed, and stay warm. And don’t forget to download the 9NEWS app to stay updated on all the latest breaking news, sports, politics, and weather right at your fingertips. Stay safe out there!