PHILADELPHIA – Roughly 150 million Americans are under winter weather watches or warnings for extreme cold as a potentially catastrophic ice storm will stretch from New Mexico to the Carolinas.Â
Days-long power outages are possible, and travel could be impossible for some of the nation’s biggest cities like DC and New York. The storm is expected to begin Friday and continue through the weekend, bringing ice, freezing rain and sleet to Gulf Coast states and more than a foot of snow to cities in the Northeast.Â
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Here are some tips on how to prepare and what foods to stock in your home, courtesy of the National Weather Service:Â
Estimated snow totals (FOX Weather)
Snowstorm food list
Non-perishable foods (those that don’t require refrigeration or cooking) are essential during a snowstorm in case the power goes out. These include:
Lots of water (a gallon a day for each person in your household)Peanut butternutsdried fruitsgranola bars or protein barscanned or packaged tuna or chickenCanned fruits and vegetables (make sure you have a manual can opener!)Canned soupsCanned beansShelf-stable milkcerealInstant coffee or hot chocolatemeat jerkyextra baby formula (if you have a baby at home)extra pet food (if you have pets)
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What to have at home Flashlight and extra batteriesBattery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio to receive emergency informationExtra non-perishable food and waterExtra prescription medicineBaby items such as diapers and formulaFirst-aid suppliesHeating fuel: refuel before you are empty; fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a winter stormEmergency heat source: fireplace, wood stove or space heater properly ventilated to prevent a fireFire extinguisher, smoke alarm; test smoke alarms monthly to ensure they work properlyExtra pet food and warm shelter for petsReview generator safety: Never run a generator in an enclosed spaceMake sure your carbon monoxide detector is working correctly and that the outside vent is clear of leaves and debris. During or after the storm, make sure it is cleared of snow.Home fires are common each winter when trying to stay warm. Review ways to keep your home and loved ones safe.
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What to have in your car Mobile phone, charger, batteriesBlankets/sleeping bagsFlashlight with extra batteriesFirst-aid kitKnifeHigh-calorie, non-perishable foodExtra clothing to keep dryLarge empty can to use as emergency toilet, tissues, toilet paper and paper towelsSmall can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking waterSack of sand or cat litter for tractionShovelWindshield scraper and brushTool kitTow ropeBattery booster cablesWater containerCandle and matches to provide light and in an emergency, lifesaving heat.Compass and road maps, don’t depend on mobile devices with limited battery life
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What this storm means for the Northeast
Forecasters say the Northeast could see some of the most disruptive impacts from this sprawling winter storm as it moves east through the weekend.
Parts of the region, including the Interstate 95 corridor, may face heavy snowfall, bitter cold and dangerous travel conditions, especially late Saturday through Monday. If snow accumulates rapidly, untreated roads could become impassable and delays or cancellations at major airports are likely.
In addition to snow, the storm’s timing and track will determine how long impacts last. A surge of Arctic air behind the system could cause refreezing, prolonging hazardous conditions even after precipitation ends.
Officials urge residents in the Northeast to prepare for the possibility of extended power outages, limited travel and disruptions to daily routines by stocking essential supplies and staying informed as forecasts are updated.
Stay ahead of the snow with FOX 29’s expert meteorologists, streaming LIVE on FOX LOCAL. Get the latest on the forecast, snow potential, and preparation tips—before the storm and all weekend long. Download FOX LOCAL for 24/7 weather coverage on your smart TV and mobile devices.
The Source: This report includes information from the National Weather Service and The Associated Press.