A powerful winter storm is on track to bring some of the coldest temperatures in years to much of the United States. According to the National Weather Service, an arctic blast from Canada is expected to sweep across the eastern two-thirds of the country over the next few days, pushing temperatures to record-breaking lows in many areas.
The deep freeze is set to begin Wednesday night, with the Northern Plains taking the hardest hit. Forecasters warn that strong winds could drive wind chills down to an astonishing minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit by the weekend. Those conditions could be life-threatening, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia for anyone exposed to the cold. Even areas much farther south, including the Mid-Atlantic, Mid-Mississippi Valley, and Southern Plains, may feel sub-zero wind chills.
The South prepares for ice and snow
By Friday, the storm is expected to turn especially dangerous across the South. The National Weather Service warns that heavy snow, sleet, and widespread freezing rain could develop as warm, moist air from the Gulf collides with the arctic air mass.
Forecasters say a strong stream of moisture could fuel precipitation across Texas and the Gulf Coast, stretching east into Georgia and the Carolinas. The Atlanta office of the National Weather Service described the outlook as “concerning,” pointing to a growing risk of ice storms in North Georgia and parts of central Georgia.
Ice buildup on roads, trees, and power lines could create deadly travel conditions and lead to widespread power outages. Keith Avery, CEO of South Carolina’s Newberry Electric Cooperative, warned that even half an inch of ice could cause major damage, calling an inch of ice “catastrophic.”
From Texas to the Northeast, millions of Americans could feel the impact of this major winter storm over the weekend. Much of the eastern U.S. is expected to remain well below normal temperatures through at least February 1, the NWS said.
Lessons from the past
The situation brings back memories of the devastating 2021 winter storm in Texas, when extreme cold overwhelmed the state’s power grid. Millions lost electricity as residents struggled to stay warm during dangerous conditions.
Staying safe indoors
Officials urge people to remain indoors during the storm, but they also warn about the hidden dangers of heating homes for long periods. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say carbon monoxide poisoning can occur when furnaces, stoves, space heaters, or generators are used improperly.
Running cars inside garages or using portable generators indoors can also produce deadly carbon monoxide gas. Because the gas is colorless and odorless, people may not realize they are being exposed.
Dr. Alex Harding, an emergency medicine specialist at Baylor College of Medicine, explained that carbon monoxide poisoning can be hard to detect. Early symptoms may include headaches or nausea, but severe exposure can lead to loss of consciousness or even seizures.
The risk of hypothermia
Experts say this weekend’s cold has the potential to be especially dangerous, particularly in states like Texas that have experienced a relatively mild winter so far.
Strong winds can make already cold temperatures feel even more extreme, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia much faster than people might expect. Jon Palmer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Maine, noted that prolonged exposure to bitter cold can quickly overwhelm the body’s ability to stay warm.
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, and the risk grows if power outages leave people without reliable heat. Dr. Harding emphasized that hypothermia is one of the biggest concerns during severe cold events, especially if electricity or heating systems fail.
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