Virginia has declared a state of emergency as a major winter storm threatens to disrupt travel and bring hazardous conditions across much of the U.S. this weekend. The storm, set to begin Saturday night, will bring a mix of rain, snow, and ice, creating dangerous travel conditions, particularly over the central Plains and mid-Atlantic. With over 45 million Americans under winter weather alerts, many are preparing for snow, ice, and freezing temperatures through early next week.
Starting in the Plains, cities like Kansas City, Missouri, will experience slick roads as the storm moves eastward, following Interstate 70 through St. Louis. By Sunday, heavy snow and ice will spread through the Ohio Valley to the mid-Atlantic, affecting cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia.
Both could receive over 6 inches of snow, making Monday morning commutes treacherous. Virginia’s Governor Glenn Youngkin has urged residents to adjust travel plans, emphasizing the urgency of the storm’s impact and the state’s preparedness.
The storm isn’t just about snow; it also carries the threat of severe weather. From Sunday afternoon, thunderstorms with damaging winds and possible tornadoes will affect the South, stretching from Houston to Memphis, Tennessee.
As the storm moves away, a portion of the polar vortex will trigger extremely cold temperatures, with sub-zero wind chills expected from the Midwest to the Northeast.
With icy conditions expected to persist through next week, residents from the Midwest to the East Coast are advised to monitor weather updates and take necessary precautions. Bitter cold and dangerous wind chills will follow in the wake of the storm, impacting daily life and travel.
