How many people will be affected by the major winter storm?

Over 170 million Americans are expected to be affected by the significant winter storm.

What are the expected impacts of the major winter storm?

The storm is expected to bring heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, dangerous travel conditions, potential long-duration power outages, and infrastructure impacts due to extremely cold air following the event.

What steps should residents take to prepare for the winter storm?

Residents should complete immediate preparations, including addressing drafts, insulating pipes to prevent freezing, and maintaining home temperatures at or above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Home / Weather / Millions Brace for 'Worst Winter Storm in Decades'

Millions Brace for 'Worst Winter Storm in Decades'

23 Jan

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Summary

A major winter storm threatens over 170 million Americans with snow and ice.
Extremely cold air will follow, prolonging dangerous travel and infrastructure impacts.
Residents are advised to complete preparations immediately to avoid frozen pipes and power outages.

Millions Brace for 'Worst Winter Storm in Decades'

A major winter storm is poised to strike across the United States, threatening over 170 million individuals with widespread heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain. This impactful event is forecast to stretch from the Southern Rockies all the way to New England, with forecasts predicting snowfall totals exceeding one foot in some areas. The storm's arrival is anticipated to bring extremely dangerous travel conditions due to the combination of wintry precipitation and plunging temperatures.

Following the initial storm, an influx of extremely cold air is expected to settle in, prolonging hazardous travel and posing significant risks to infrastructure. Communities are warned of potential power outages and damage to trees from ice accumulation. Residents are strongly advised to complete immediate preparations, including addressing drafts around windows and doors, and insulating pipes to prevent them from freezing and cutting off water supply. Maintaining home temperatures at or above 55 degrees Fahrenheit is also recommended.