Heavy snow, crippling ice and frigid temperatures forecast to hit more than 2 dozen states this weekend

A major winter storm is forecast to bring heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain and frigid temperatures stretching from New Mexico and Texas to parts of New England starting on Friday through the weekend, according to meteorologists. It’s expected to affect more than 230 million Americans and could become one of the most significant storms of this winter season.

Major metro areas in the storm’s path include Dallas and Austin in Texas, Oklahoma City, Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte, N.C., Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City and Boston, forecasters say.

Impacts from the snow and ice could cause power outages, widespread travel shutdowns and school closures. Following the storm, frigid temperatures will prolong the impacts of the snow and ice. “Potentially hundreds of thousands of people may go without electricity and heat for days,” AccuWeather chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter said.

Winter storm watches have been issued for more than 122 million people, from Arizona to New York and as far south as Texas, according to the National Weather Service. The agency advises “preparations should be completed as soon as possible, and forecasts closely monitored for updates.”

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