A powerful winter storm began asserting its grip across large portions of the United States on Friday, unleashing heavy snow, freezing rain, and dangerously low temperatures as it pushed eastward from the central plains. Forecasters warned that the sprawling system, driven by a surge of Arctic air from Canada, could disrupt daily life for tens of millions of people, threatening power supplies, paralyzing travel, and creating hazardous conditions on roads and sidewalks.
By early Friday morning, snow was already falling steadily in parts of northwest Texas and central Oklahoma, including the Oklahoma City metro area. The precipitation marked the leading edge of a storm system expected to stretch from the southern Rockies to the East Coast by the weekend, impacting nearly half of the country before weakening early next week.
Meteorologists cautioned that the storm’s most dangerous feature may not be snowfall alone, but the widespread accumulation of ice. Freezing rain and sleet are forecast to coat roads, trees, and power lines across a broad swath of the southern and central United States, raising the risk of traffic accidents and prolonged power outages.
“This is the kind of system that can become treacherous very quickly,” said Brandon Buckingham, a meteorologist with private forecasting firm AccuWeather. He explained that even small amounts of ice can make roads nearly impassable and place enormous strain on electrical infrastructure.
In North Texas, forecasters warned that ice accumulation could reach levels rarely seen in the region. Buckingham said the Dallas–Fort Worth area could experience up to a half-inch of ice, a scenario capable of snapping tree limbs, downing power lines, and leaving entire neighborhoods without electricity.
The storm arrives as temperatures plunge well below seasonal norms. In Oklahoma City, residents woke to bitter cold on Friday, with morning temperatures hovering near 8 degrees Fahrenheit. Local businesses reported a surge of customers seeking warmth, food, and shelter from the frigid conditions.
At the café Not Your Average Joe, supervisor Morgan Mayo said the early rush reflected both the cold and growing anxiety about what the coming days might bring. “People are trying to prepare, or at least get somewhere warm,” Mayo said. Despite the worsening forecast, the café planned to remain open as long as possible, relying on staff who live nearby and are willing to brave the weather on foot.
As the storm continues to advance, forecasters say its reach will expand dramatically. Snow and ice are expected to spread eastward through the Mississippi Valley and into the Southeast over the weekend, while colder air pushes southward into areas unaccustomed to prolonged freezing temperatures.
In many regions, emergency planners are already bracing for the possibility of extended power outages. Ice accumulation can weigh down power lines and transformers, while frozen equipment and surging demand place additional stress on electrical grids.
Memories of past winter disasters have heightened concern, particularly in Texas. In February 2021, a devastating ice storm crippled the state’s power grid, leaving millions without electricity for days and contributing to more than 200 deaths, many linked to exposure to extreme cold. That event exposed vulnerabilities in infrastructure and emergency preparedness that continue to shape public response whenever severe winter weather looms.
This time, officials say lessons have been learned. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which manages the state’s primary power grid, said it has taken steps to ensure adequate generation capacity for the weekend. In a statement, the organization said it expects “sufficient generation to meet demand this winter,” though it acknowledged that localized outages remain possible if ice damages distribution lines.
By the midpoint of the storm’s progression, the scale of the response had become clear. Governors and local leaders across a large portion of the country moved to activate emergency measures as conditions worsened. By Friday morning, at least 14 states along with the District of Columbia had declared states of emergency, unlocking additional resources and allowing agencies to mobilize personnel and equipment more quickly.
Those declarations enabled actions such as pre-treating highways with salt and brine, staging utility repair crews, opening warming centers, and coordinating with the National Guard for transportation and rescue support if needed.
The storm’s eastward march is expected to intensify on Saturday and Sunday. Meteorologists predict significant icing in parts of the Southeast, with cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte, and Raleigh potentially receiving up to a quarter-inch of ice. Even modest icing in these areas can have outsized impacts, as infrastructure and drivers are often less prepared for winter conditions.
Farther north, snow will become the dominant concern. The Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic are forecast to see heavy snowfall, with some areas likely receiving more than a foot before the system moves offshore. On Sunday, major East Coast cities including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, New York City, and Boston could see between four and eight inches of snow, with higher totals possible in surrounding suburbs.
In the nation’s capital, Mayor Muriel Bowser declared both a state of emergency and a snow emergency set to run from Saturday through Tuesday. The city requested assistance from the National Guard, including high-clearance vehicles to help first responders navigate snow-covered streets and ensure access to hospitals and critical facilities.
Bowser urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to follow parking restrictions that allow snowplows to operate efficiently. “This storm has the potential to disrupt our city for several days,” she said, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation.
In New York City, the approaching storm marks the first major weather test for Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who took office just weeks ago. Speaking to local media, Mamdani said the city’s sanitation department would mobilize into what he described as “the nation’s largest snow-fighting operation,” deploying thousands of workers and hundreds of plows ahead of the expected snowfall.
City officials said public schools would remain open on Monday, offering either in-person or remote learning depending on conditions, a decision aimed at balancing safety with continuity for students and families.
Forecasters expect the storm to gradually weaken as it reaches the Atlantic coast late Sunday into early Monday, though lingering cold temperatures could keep icy conditions in place even after precipitation ends.
Emergency officials nationwide continue to urge residents to prepare by stocking essential supplies, charging electronic devices, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. Motorists are advised to avoid travel whenever possible, particularly in areas forecast to receive ice, which is often more dangerous than snow.
While the storm is expected to dissipate early next week, its impacts could linger for days, especially in communities facing power outages or significant infrastructure damage. For now, much of the country remains on alert, watching the forecast closely as one of the most widespread winter storms of the season unfolds.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
