Forecasters warn of "catastrophic" conditions as winter storm begins

A significant winter storm is impacting a vast portion of the United States, prompting over a dozen governors to declare states of emergency. Approximately 161 million Americans are under winter storm warnings or watches, extending from New Mexico to New England. Forecasters predict snowfall exceeding 12 inches in the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast regions. Widespread freezing rain and sleet are anticipated across the Southern Plains, Lower Mississippi Valley, Tennessee Valley, and Southeast. This storm carries the risk of catastrophic ice accumulations, leading to potential long-duration power outages and extensive tree damage. Travel conditions are expected to be extremely dangerous and potentially impassable. Following the storm, communities will face bitterly cold temperatures and dangerously low wind chills. Officials are urging residents to avoid non-essential travel and to take safety precautions with generators and downed power lines. Many regions are not well-prepared for such severe winter weather and prolonged cold. The storm poses a significant test for Texas's power grid operator, ERCOT, which aims to avoid a repeat of the 2021 crisis. Flight cancellations are already in the hundreds and are expected to increase as the storm progresses.