Latest snow storm forecast maps show fresh predictions for where winter weather will hit hardest

A massive winter storm is currently sweeping across the United States, impacting over 200 million people and spanning 35 states. The National Weather Service forecasts that this “significant, long-duration” storm will bring heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain from the Southern Rockies to New England through Monday, with widespread disruptions expected.

Widespread Impacts and Emergency Declarations

Seventeen states and Washington, D.C., have declared states of emergency, and nine states have activated their National Guards in preparation for the storm’s arrival. The storm is predicted to travel over 2,300 miles, bringing with it not only heavy precipitation but also frigid temperatures, gusty winds, and dangerous wind chills.

Did You Know? A plow driver with the Nashville Department of Transportation described conditions where snow could quickly turn to “snow packed, solid sheets of ice” as temperatures drop into the single digits.

Significant Snowfall Forecasts

Parts of Kentucky and Virginia are forecast to receive up to two feet of snow between Saturday and Monday. Major cities, including New York City, Boston, and Oklahoma City, could see between 12 and 18 inches of snow. Lesser amounts, between 1 and 6 inches, are expected across broader areas.

The Threat of Ice

The southern portion of the country faces a dual threat of ice and snow. Officials warn that ice accumulations can be more dangerous than snow, increasing the risk of power outages due to the weight on power lines and creating hazardous driving conditions. Ice accumulations of up to 1 inch are forecast for parts of the South, with areas of Texas, Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee potentially seeing up to .75 of an inch.

Expert Insight: The National Weather Service has explicitly warned of “catastrophic impacts” where freezing rain exceeds a half inch, highlighting the severity of the potential disruption to infrastructure and daily life in affected areas.

Specifically, northern Louisiana, central and northern Mississippi, southern Tennessee, and the southern Appalachians could see ice totals exceeding one inch.

Extreme Cold and Wind Chills

Over 43 million people are under an extreme cold warning, meaning temperatures or wind chills are forecast to fall below 5 degrees Fahrenheit in the next 12 to 24 hours. An additional 22 million are under an extreme cold watch, anticipating similar conditions within the next 24 to 48 hours. More than 146 million people are under a cold weather advisory, with temperatures or wind chills expected to fall to or below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

The National Weather Service anticipates that communities from the Southern Plains to the Northeast will face “bitterly cold temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills” following the storm, leading to prolonged hazardous travel and infrastructure impacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas are expected to be most impacted by snow?

Parts of Kentucky and Virginia could see up to two feet of snow. Major cities like New York City, Boston, and Oklahoma City could receive between 12 and 18 inches.

Which states are facing the greatest risk from ice accumulation?

Parts of Texas, Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee could see up to .75 of an inch of ice, with northern Louisiana, central and northern Mississippi, southern Tennessee, and the southern Appalachians potentially exceeding one inch.

How many people are under some form of winter weather alert?

Over 200 million people are under winter storm threats. More than 146 million are under a cold weather advisory, over 43 million are under an extreme cold warning, and over 22 million are under an extreme cold watch.

As the storm progresses, continued hazardous conditions are likely, potentially impacting travel and daily life for millions. Will communities be adequately prepared for the prolonged cold and potential infrastructure challenges this storm presents?