Tens of millions of Americans are bracing for a major winter storm that could bring the heaviest snow and coldest temperatures in more than a decade.
The storm, which started in the middle of the US, will move eastward in the next few days, the National Weather Service (NWS) said, with 30 states under weather warnings.
A state of emergency has been declared in Kentucky, Virginia, Kansas, Arkansas and Missouri as well parts of the US that are not used to extreme cold, including Mississippi and Florida, have been warned to expect treacherous conditions.
Forecasters say the extreme weather is due to the polar vortex, an area of cold air that surrounds the Arctic.
Road conditions have already worsened, as inclement weather has led to accidents involving trucks and cars, as well as a fire truck overturning in Kansas, according to state highway trooper Ben Gardner.
He showed how slippery the highways can be in his asphalt slide video posted on X.
“For some, this could be the heaviest snowfall in more than a decade,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.
AccuWeather forecaster Dan DePodwin said: “This could lead to the coldest January in the US since 2011.”
He added that “temperatures below the historical average” could remain for the rest of the week.
Those low temperatures will be along the east coast as well, where the storm is expected to arrive Sunday evening.
In the central US, there will be “major disruptions to daily life” and “dangerous or impossible driving conditions and widespread closures” on Sunday, according to the NWS.
Some areas of Kansas and Indiana could see at least 8in (20.3cm) of snow.
In parts of the Midwest, blizzards are possible.
“Whiteout conditions will make travel very dangerous, with impassable roads and a high risk of drivers becoming stranded,” the NWS warned.
Freezing rain is forecast for Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky and West Virginia.
As the storm moves east, millions more Americans will see cooler temperatures, forecasters said.
Cities including Washington DC, Baltimore and Philadelphia are bracing for snow and ice conditions from Sunday through Monday. Between 5-12in of snow could be recorded in parts of Virginia.
Also on Sunday, parts of the southern US including Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi may see severe thunderstorms.
Independent meteorologist Ryan Maue said: “It’s going to be chaotic, potentially catastrophic. This is something we haven’t seen in a long time.”
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest and United are waiving change fees for passengers due to potential flight disruptions.
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