A huge winter storm is brewing in the United States, with meteorologists warning on Saturday that millions of Americans should prepare for dangerous weather, with expected heavy snow, cold temperatures, and icy roads.
More than 60 million residents are on the storm's path, with the eastern half of the U.S. expected to be frozen over by Sunday.
The National Weather Service has warned of blizzards from the Central Plains to the Mid-Atlantic region.
Currently, Montana has issued a winter storm alert, which extends all the way to coastal states such as Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia.
Parts of eastern New York State and Pennsylvania are also facing "lake-effect snow" from the Great Lakes, with snow accumulations potentially reaching 60 centimeters.
Forecasts indicate that on the morning of the 5th, blizzards will sweep across the Plains, "greatly increasing the danger of travel, with roads possibly becoming impassable and a high risk of stranded drivers." Additionally, temperatures in some states could drop below minus 18 degrees Celsius, with strong gusts further exacerbating the hazardous conditions.
From Kansas to Missouri and Ohio, snowfall on the 5th is expected to reach 33 centimeters. From Kansas eastward to West Virginia and Virginia, freezing rain and sleet are expected, covering roads with ice, making travel extremely dangerous, and potentially causing trees and power lines to collapse, leaving millions of users at risk of power outages in the freezing cold.
The governors of Missouri and Virginia have both declared states of emergency, warning residents of potentially dangerous weather this weekend.