Major Winter Storm To Slam South And Northeast This Weekend — Heavy Snow, Ice And Widespread Outages Expected

A major winter storm is forecast to sweep from Texas to Massachusetts through the weekend, bringing heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain and dangerously cold temperatures to more than 180 million Americans. Meteorologists warn the system could become one of the most significant storms of the winter season and produce prolonged disruptions to travel, power and daily life.

What To Expect

Scope: The storm's path will affect major metropolitan areas including Dallas, Austin, Oklahoma City, Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City and Boston.

Watches: The National Weather Service has issued winter storm watches covering at least 70 million people, from New Mexico to North Carolina and as far south as Texas. Officials urge residents to start preparations now for an impactful and prolonged event.

Snow

The NWS says to expect heavy snow from the Southern Rockies and south-central Plains eastward through the mid-Atlantic. Forecast totals include 6 to 12 inches across much of the Central Plains, with localized totals exceeding 2 feet in parts of the Appalachians. Snow totals in the Northeast will vary with the storm track but could produce significant, plowable accumulations.

Ice And Sleet

Broad swaths of freezing rain and sleet are expected south of the all-snow zone across the Southern Plains, the Mid-South and the Carolinas. A thick glaze of ice is likely from Texas into the Carolinas, increasing the risk of fallen tree limbs and downed power lines.

AccuWeather chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter warned that potentially hundreds of thousands of people may go without electricity and heat for days.

Timing

Friday: Snow, sleet and freezing rain will begin to move into the Plains by late morning or early afternoon, affecting parts of Kansas, Oklahoma and northern and western Texas. The wintry mix could reach western Tennessee and northern Mississippi.

Saturday: The storm may push the wintry mix farther south into Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi while advancing toward the Northeast, impacting Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and portions of the Carolinas.

Sunday into Monday: By midday Sunday the precipitation mix should taper across Texas, Oklahoma and the lower Mississippi Valley, but heavy snow and wintry conditions will continue from the Ohio Valley, Virginia and the Carolinas into the Northeast. Snow and strong winds in the Northeast could persist into Monday morning.

Impacts And Advice

Forecasters expect widespread travel disruptions, thousands of flight cancellations and potential long-duration power outages. AccuWeather forecasts more than 4,000 flight cancellations nationwide this weekend. School closures are likely across multiple states as the storm lingers.

Preparedness tips: Charge devices, stock up on emergency supplies (food, water, medications), keep vehicles fueled, prepare alternate heating plans if possible, and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors. Avoid nonessential travel during the height of the storm and follow local guidance.

Stay tuned to local National Weather Service offices and trusted meteorological sources for updates, and follow official advisories for road and power safety.