Major Winter Storm Delivers Travel Restrictions, Power Outages In US

A significant winter storm with freezing rain and heavy snow swept over the United State on Thursday. The incident affected land, air, and power traffic in many locations.

As the winter storm advances from the central U.S. to the South and Northeast, winter storm warnings and watches have been issued from New Mexico and Colorado to Maine.

Los Angeles Times said weather forecasts warned substantial ice buildup was likely from Texas to Pennsylvania and heavy snowfall from the southern Rockies to northern New England.

According to NPR, meteorologist Andrew Orrison of the National Weather Service said that many parts of the country are currently buried in heavy snow and suffering "sleet and freezing rain."

As the storm advances east, heavy snowfall is forecast in sections of Ohio, New York, and northern New England. Snowfall of 12 to 18 inches is expected in some locations through Friday.

The Storm Prediction Center forecast strong thunderstorms capable of catastrophic wind gusts and tornadoes in areas of Mississippi and Alabama near the storm's warmer side on Thursday.

More than 20 inches of snow fell in the southern Rockies, with more than a foot falling in sections of Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. The Memphis weather service issued all warnings, including ice-covered streets, power outages, and fallen trees.

National Weather Service said per Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that ice accumulations of 0.5 to 0.75 inches have been recorded in the Memphis and Covington, Tennessee areas. The National Weather Service cautions that the amount of ice on the ground might result in ice-covered highways, power outages, and felled trees. As a result, the cities and surrounding areas have been issued an ice storm warning.

"Arctic air will flow into the Midsouth today, with gusts over 30 mph possibly downing ice-covered tree limbs. Strongest winds are expected over the delta in east Arkansas, the Missouri bootheel, and northwest Tennessee."

According to Poweroutage.us, at least 130,000 people are without power as a powerful winter storm sweeps through a large area of the United States. CNN said Texas, Arkansas, India, Oklahoma, Virginia, Tennessee, Louisiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey were affected.

In the event of a power loss, Readygov shared these brief safety instructions on Twitter for people in the Central and Northeast United States.

"Never use a gas stovetop to heat your home; Keep freezers & refrigerators closed; Disconnect appliances & electronics; Place generators outside," Readygov said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States urges people to consult with local emergency officials about the safety of traveling in the cold. If you must travel, keep it as brief as possible.