Several US states are facing a severe snowstorm, causing major disruptions across the country. According to international media reports, over 200 million people could be affected by the extreme weather.
Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas have recorded heavy snowfall, prompting emergency declarations in 18 states.
Many cities in the eastern and central US, including Washington, New York, Philadelphia, and Boston, are also expected to see significant snow.
The Mayor of New York has advised residents to stay indoors to avoid accidents and emergency situations.
Because of the heavy snowfall, National Guard units have been deployed in nine states to assist with rescue and emergency relief operations.
Weather today
A massive winter storm is set to hit much of the United States starting Friday, with more than 200 million Americans at risk from heavy snow, freezing rain, and dangerously low temperatures, international media reports.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said the storm will move eastward from the High Plains and Rockies. It leaves “extremely dangerous” conditions.
The Arctic blast will bring sub-zero temperatures and wind chills, which “pose a life-threatening risk of hypothermia and frostbite to exposed skin”.
US transportation officials have warned of travel disruptions, delays, and cancellations over the weekend.
This includes airport authorities in several major cities.
The storm is forecast to move slowly across the US. Cities including Memphis, Nashville, Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York are expected to see snow.
Heavy snow is predicted through the Southern Rockies and Plains, into the Mid-Atlantic, and reaching the Northeast.
The NWS Probabilistic Precipitation Portal predicts regions from Colorado to West Virginia to Boston could see more than a foot of snow.
Parts of northeast New Jersey and southeast New York. Including New York City, could see between 10 and 14 inches of snow starting early Sunday and continue through Monday.
Additionally, wind chills in this area could drop as low as -10F from Friday evening to Saturday afternoon.
