The frigid region of the southern plains
The storm will likely begin in the southern Plains on Friday, causing extensive damage first in Texas and Oklahoma, before moving east, bringing heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain, making travel impossible.
But perhaps the biggest threat to the region is the subzero temperatures that will set in as the snow and ice melt. As of Tuesday night, Texas Governor Greg Abbott had already activated the state’s emergency response resources.
The state Department of Transportation will provide pre-treatment and post-treatment of roads and assist with traffic regulation. The Emergency Management Division will provide a map of warming centers. The National Guard will be on hand to assist stranded drivers, and a number of other departments will respond to clear snow, monitor utility and natural gas supplies, and monitor air and water quality.
Abbott urged Texans to always exercise caution and check for warnings before making essential travel.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas said on Facebook that it is monitoring the approaching cold snap and will keep Texans informed of the status of the power grid. The agency said as of Wednesday, power grid conditions are expected to return to normal, but Texans can monitor changes through social media and apps.
It’s cold in the southeast
The storm is expected to spread across the South by Saturday, with ice storms continuing to linger in Georgia and the Carolinas throughout the weekend.
Wind chills will be in the single digits to as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit along the Gulf Coast, putting many of those areas, including Memphis and St. Louis, at risk of frozen pipes.
In a post on X on Tuesday, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein advised residents to prepare now, especially in case of a power outage by gathering supplies such as batteries, food and drinks.
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety said people should plan to stay home and avoid going out over the weekend, and urged residents to be prepared by Friday night before the worst of the storm hits.
The North Carolina Office of Emergency Management suggested stockpiling emergency kits in case roads become impassable.
“Items like flashlights, batteries, and battery backup can make a big difference,” the ministry said on Facebook. In an emailed statement, NCDPS added that gallon jugs of water, nonperishable food, pet supplies and food, cell phone chargers, radios, warm clothing, blankets, and first aid kits are also great additions to emergency bags.
NCDPS warned that North Carolinians should never run a generator inside their home or garage to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Charlotte Department of Transportation said in a statement that roads can be pre-treated ahead of winter weather to ensure safe travel.
The Georgia Emergency Management Agency said it is focused on preparing your home and vehicle, as well as your family, friends and pets, before the storm begins. When the weather begins to deteriorate, the agency recommends getting the latest information through trusted sources.
In the days before the storm, officials said people should gather emergency supplies in both their homes and cars, check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and refuel cars and heating sources.
A day before the storm hit, GEMA said people should continue to check the forecast for changes, adjust plans and make sure they have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts. If you have pets, be sure to bring them indoors and give them plenty of water.
GEMA says Georgians should check on neighbors and family members during and after the storm, properly ventilate emergency heat sources, keep generators 20 feet from homes, and stay calm while shoveling snow and ice.
The agency also said resources are being made available across the state to ensure those affected get what they need.
A spokesperson for Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ office said the city was not encouraging people to evacuate or stay off roads during the storm.
It’s snowing in the Northeast
Snow totals for the Northeast are not yet known, but a vast storm is expected to hit Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City from Sunday into early Monday.
The New York City Office of Emergency Management recommends creating a home disaster plan before a major winter storm and preparing your go bag for cold weather with blankets, warm socks, and gloves. Your emergency supply kit should be fully stocked and ready to survive up to a week without power. This includes extra clothing, warm blankets, and a battery-operated radio to monitor updates.
The department says New Yorkers can prepare their homes for winter by repairing leaks, cleaning gutters, securing emergency heating equipment, and installing and checking batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It is also essential to stock up on fuel. Anyone concerned about their car should have it checked by a mechanic before the storm hits.
NYCEM recommends that households stockpile rock salt to melt snow and ice on sidewalks. If rock salt is not available, cat litter can also provide traction.
Charging your mobile devices is important, as is having items like flashlights and extra batteries on hand in case of a power outage. Refrigerators and freezers can be set to cooler settings to preserve their contents during extended power outages.
To prevent freezing, NYCEM recommends allowing faucets to drip slightly during cold weather.
