A significant winter storm is impacting over 200 million people across the U.S., with around 175 million under winter weather warnings. The storm, beginning in the southern Plains, will move to affect a vast area from the Rocky Mountains to the East Coast, bringing life-threatening cold, snow, and ice. Meteorologists expect record low temperatures, especially in the Southern Plains and Mid-Atlantic, where exposure to the cold can lead to frostbite in as little as 10 minutes.
Forecasts predict substantial snowfall, with areas in Texas and the central Appalachians potentially seeing up to 2 feet. Accumulating ice could cause power outages, particularly in parts of Texas and the southeastern U.S. Air travel is expected to be severely disrupted, with major airlines issuing travel waivers and cancellations anticipated at several airports.
Officials recommend avoiding travel if possible due to hazardous conditions, advising drivers to carry emergency kits. Preparations are underway, especially in Texas, which is bolstering its power grid to prevent blackouts similar to those experienced in 2021. As the storm approaches, uncertainty in weather predictions remains, with small atmospheric changes potentially altering outcomes significantly.
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