WASHINGTON (TNND) — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Weather Service (NWS) are forecasting “an expansive” winter storm that will impact a majority of the U.S. with heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
The agencies said the storm is expected to start on Friday and continue for at least a few days.
“Nearly everyone east of the Rockies will see impacts from snow, ice, and/or extreme cold beginning by Friday and lasting through early next week,” NWS noted on X Wednesday evening, adding that the storm will likely shift toward the East Coast at some point — possibly through Monday — for New England.”Get prepared ahead of the storm so your weekend plans can be to stay home and stay warm,” according to the post, as snow-covered roads and low visibility will cause widespread travel disruptions,” according to the post.
NWS also noted that broad swaths of freezing rain and sleet are expected south of the all-snow zone over the Southern Plain, Mid-South, and Carolinas.
“Treacherous travel conditions, prolonged power outages, and tree damage are likely,” the post noted.
The agency said dangerously cold temperatures will prolong snow and ice impacts, creating “even more risk this weekend,” such as -50F wind chills in the Plains, and sub-freezing temperatures all the way down to the Gulf Coast.
“Prepare and have a plan to stay warm,” NWS said.
NWS said while “confidence is high that a significant storm will occur,” the storm’s track and timing, as well as precipitation amounts, are not clear at this time.
“Start preparations now for an impactful and prolonged winter storm and keep up to date with the forecast,” NWS noted.
Ahead of the storm, NWS said to make sure homes, offices, and cars are stocked with vital supplies, including the following:
Cell phone chargerFirst aid kitJumper cablesSpare tireFlares Water and snacks Mittens, hats, boots, as well as warm clothing Snow shovel and brush BlanketsTow ropeSand or kitty litter Full tank of gas
The agency also advised the public to make sure pets and farm animals have the essentials they will need during the storm.
NOAA urged the public to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors a few days before the storm. It also said it is best to have multiple ways to receive warnings about the storm, including weather and news apps.
As for when the storm hits, NOAA said to check on family and neighbors, plus properly ventilate emergency heat sources, keep generators at least 20 feets from your home, and “take it easy” when shoveling.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem said to have at least three days of food, water, and essential medications on hand before the storm hits.
She also said DHS is working with authorities across the nation, along with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to monitor and prepare for the storm.
“Please prepare and take precautions in the event of power outages, pipe-bursts, road closures, airport delays, flight cancellations, and freezing temperatures,” Noem said in statement she posted on social media.
“Federal emergency management is positioning to effectively respond to these conditions, and is prepared to provide aid across the affected areas,” the statement noted. “Stay safe and prepare.”
In the sport’s world, the major weather system is prompting a reshuffling of games and the weekend schedule.
Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers canceled their annual Fan Fest event scheduled for Saturday due to the forecast for frozen precipitation in North Texas and “in the interest of safety for players, fans, and employees.”
The Sun Belt Conference preemptively shook up its women’s basketball schedule, moving around the start times on several games from Thursday through Saturday. The American Athletic Conference also adjusted its weekend men’s and women’s basketball schedules, moving some games up to Friday.
Tennessee’s swim meet at Georgia and the USC Upstate women’s basketball game at Longwood were moved up to Friday from Saturday due to the forecast.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.