Deep freeze in the southern Plains
The storm will get its start in the southern Plains on Friday, first wreaking havoc on Texas and Oklahoma before moving east with heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain that make travel unlikely to impossible.
But perhaps the largest threat to the region is the freezing temperatures that will set in as the snow and ice melt. As of Tuesday night, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott had already activated the state’s emergency response resources.
The state’s department of transportation will pre-treat and then treat roads, and will help with traffic control. The Division of Emergency Management will provide maps of warming centers. The National Guard will be on call to assist stranded drivers, and a number of other departments will be available to clear snow, monitor utility providers and natural gas supplies, and monitor air and water quality.
Abbott urged Texans to remain aware and check alerts before any necessary travel.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas said on Facebook that it is monitoring the approaching cold weather and will keep Texans informed about power grid conditions. As of Wednesday, the agency said grid conditions are expected to be normal, but Texans can monitor changes through social media and through their app.
Icy in the southeast
The storm is set to expand across the South on Saturday, with ice storms continuing in Georgia and the Carolinas throughout the weekend.
Wind chills will be as low as the single digits to -10 degrees Fahrenheit along the Gulf Coast, and many of these areas are at risk for pipe freezing, including Memphis and St. Louis.
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein advised residents in a Tuesday post on X to get prepared now — especially in anticipation of power outages — by collecting necessities such as batteries, food, and drinks.
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety said people should plan to stay home and off the roads all weekend, and urged people in the state to wrap up their preparations by Friday night before the worst of the storm hits.
The North Carolina Department of Emergency Management suggested stocking emergency kits in case roads become impassable.
“Items like flashlights, batteries, and battery backups can make all the difference,” the department said on Facebook. NCDPS added in an emailed statement that items such as gallon jugs of water, non-perishable foods, pet supplies and food, cell phone chargers, radios, winter clothing, blankets and a first aid kit are also great to add to emergency packs.
NCDPS warned that North Carolinians should never run a generator inside a house or garage to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Charlotte Department of Transportation will be available to pre-treat the roads ahead of the winter weather to ensure safe travel, the department said in a statement.
The Georgia Emergency Management Agency said it is emphasizing preparations for family, friends, and pets, as well as for homes and cars, before the storm begins. Once the weather begins, the agency recommends staying up to date through reliable sources.
A few days before the storm, the agency said people should gather emergency supplies for both their homes and cars, check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and refuel cars and heating sources.
The day before the storm hits, GEMA said folks should keep checking the forecast for any changes, adjust plans and ensure there are multiple ways to receive emergency warnings. Those with pets should also make sure they bring their animals inside and provide plenty of water.
During and after the storm, GEMA says Georgians should check in on neighbors and family, properly ventilate emergency heat sources, keep generators 20 feet from homes and take it easy while shoveling snow and ice.
The agency also said resources are being staged across the state so those affected can have what they need.
A spokesperson for Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ office said the city will not be encouraging people to evacuate during the storm and to stay off the roads.
Snowy in the northeast
While snow totals for the Northeast are still to be determined, the sprawling storm is expected to hit Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City on Sunday and early Monday.
Before a major winter storm, the New York City Department of Emergency Management recommends making a household disaster plan and winterizing go bags with blankets, warm socks, and gloves. Emergency supply kits should be fully stocked and ready to sustain an individual for up to a week without power, including extra clothing, warm blankets, and a battery-operated radio to monitor updates.
New Yorkers can winterize their homes by repairing leaks and cleaning gutters, keeping emergency heating equipment safe, and installing and checking the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, the department said. Stocking up on fuel is also a must, and those concerned about their cars should have a mechanic check them out before the storm hits.
NYCEM recommends that households stock rock salt to melt snow and ice on walkways. If rock salt is not an option, cat litter can also provide traction.
Charging mobile devices is key in case of power outages, as is having items like flashlights and extra batteries on hand. Fridges and freezers can be set to a colder setting to preserve their contents during a prolonged power outage.
To prevent freezing, NYCEM recommends allowing faucets to drip a little during cold weather.