Millions of Americans Brace for Worst Winter in 40 Years, With Possible Power Outages and More

Millions of Americans are preparing for what forecasters warn could be the most severe winter weather event in 40 years, as a powerful storm system threatens widespread snow, ice, and prolonged freezing temperatures across large swaths of the United States.

Around 160 million people — nearly half of the US population — are under winter storm watches, warnings, or advisories, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Alerts span from Arizona and Montana in the west to the Carolinas and Maine in the east, highlighting the unprecedented scale of the system.

Vast Storm System Puts Half of US on Alert

Meteorologists warn that the storm could dump more than a foot of snow in several regions, while ice accumulation in southern states may bring down trees and power lines, triggering prolonged electricity outages.

Ryan Maue, a meteorologist and former chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said the coming 10 days could mark the harshest winter conditions the US has seen in 40 years. Posting on X, he urged Americans to limit travel and support vulnerable people, warning that snowfall projections may still be conservative.

Major US Cities Face Severe Disruption

Large population centres, including Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston, are expected to experience heavy snowfall capable of paralysing transport networks. Forecasters say snow totals along the heavily travelled I-95 corridor could exceed 12 inches, making road travel hazardous and increasing the likelihood of flight cancellations and rail delays.

The NWS warned that Washington DC faces a 'unique and significant risk to life and property' due to the combination of heavy snow, ice, and sustained sub-zero temperatures.

New York Steps Up Emergency Response as Heavy Snow Nears

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the city could receive up to 16 inches of snow but insisted authorities were prepared. He confirmed that highways and major roads would be treated in advance, with sanitation crews and emergency services operating continuously throughout the storm.

Outreach teams are increasing efforts to bring unhoused residents into shelters, while officials have warned that school closures may be announced if conditions deteriorate. Residents have been urged to sign up for emergency alerts and avoid unnecessary travel.

States Declare Emergencies as Resources Mobilised

Several governors have declared states of emergency, allowing additional resources — including National Guard units — to be deployed. In Georgia, Governor Brian P. Kemp warned residents to prepare for freezing rain, power failures, and dangerous road conditions from Saturday.

'Georgians should be prepared for freezing precipitation that causes dangerous conditions and the potential for damage and power loss', Kemp said, urging families to ensure they have adequate heating, food, and emergency supplies.

Southern States Warned of 'Crippling' Ice

Georgia is expected to be among the worst-hit states, alongside Arkansas and Tennessee, where snowfall could reach up to 24 inches in some areas. Weather Channel forecasters have issued their most severe ice warning — described as 'crippling' — for parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee.

Even minimal ice accumulation could cause widespread disruption in southern states unaccustomed to extreme winter weather.

Matt Reagan, a lead forecaster with the NWS in Nashville, told NPR that freezing rain poses extreme risks regardless of driving experience. 'You can't drive in it, even if you have four-wheel drive', he said.

Temperatures Set to Plunge Below Freezing

The storm is forecast to begin on Friday afternoon across Kansas, Oklahoma, and western Texas, then rapidly advance eastward. Wind chill could make temperatures feel as low as -3°F in parts of Texas and Arkansas, increasing the risk of hypothermia and frostbite.

By Saturday night, heavy snow is expected across the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys, before spreading into the Mid-Atlantic and north-eastern states on Sunday.

Federal Authorities Issue Preparedness Warnings

US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said federal emergency management resources were being positioned ahead of the storm.

She warned residents to prepare for power outages, burst pipes, road closures, airport delays, and flight cancellations, adding that federal agencies were coordinating closely with state and local authorities.

Officials and Red Cross Urge Americans to Prepare as Storm Peaks

Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to limit travel, prepare for power outages, and check on vulnerable people as conditions worsen. The American Red Cross has advised households to assemble emergency kits capable of sustaining them for several days without electricity, including water, tinned food, torches, battery-powered radios, essential medications, and portable phone chargers.

Drivers have been warned to avoid icy roads, while households are being urged to secure adequate heating and monitor official weather alerts and local guidance as forecasts evolve. Officials say preparation and caution will be critical in limiting injuries, disruption, and loss of life as the storm reaches its peak.