Top Headlines

Feeds

Minority Reports

Unique coverage by outlet

Texas and Two‑Dozen States Brace for Expansive Arctic‑Fueled Winter Storm

Updated (34 articles)

Broad‑scale watches signal heavy snow, sleet, and ice across Texas and beyond Forecasters have placed winter storm watches over North, Central, West and East Texas, warning of moderate to heavy snow, ice and sleet from Friday night through Saturday [1]. The same system is projected to stretch over 1,500 miles, affecting roughly two dozen states from the Southern Plains to the Northeast, with travel disruptions and power‑outage risks highlighted [2]. Both outlets note that the storm’s track remains uncertain, but the potential for widespread hazardous conditions is clear.

Arctic air and a stretched polar vortex drive record‑low temperatures distorted polar vortex, anchored near Duluth, Minnesota, will usher subzero temperatures across the Midwest and Plains, with lows of –25 to –30 °F and wind chills plunging to –55 °F in parts of Minnesota and North Dakota [3][4]. The Arctic blast, amplified by record‑low sea‑ice extent, could expose up to 230 million people to 20 °F or colder, while 150 million may see snow or ice [3]. These extreme cold forecasts are consistent across the sources, underscoring a multi‑day threat to health and infrastructure.

Snow and ice totals vary but all predict significant accumulation and power threats Regional snowfall forecasts range from 4 inches in the South Plains to 10 inches in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles, with ice accumulations up to 0.5 inch [1]. CNN estimates half a foot to a full foot of snow from northern Texas through the Midwest into the Northeast, while Winter Storm Fern could deposit 1–2 inches of ice across dozens of cities [2][5]. All reports warn that such ice loads can topple trees and lines, leading to prolonged outages and damage to pipes and other infrastructure.

State officials and meteorologists urge extensive preparedness measures Texas Governor Abbott has activated emergency response crews and pre‑treatment teams, while governors in Georgia and other states advise residents to stock food, fuel and protect vulnerable assets [2]. Meteorologists Dylan Federico and Jim Cantore recommend securing pipes, trimming trees, limiting travel, and preparing for multi‑day power loss, especially where freezing temperatures will persist for 2½‑4 days [5]. These coordinated actions aim to mitigate the storm’s anticipated impacts on transportation, utilities and public safety.

Sources (5 articles)

Stories about this story (9 stories)

Social media (3 posts)

All related articles (34 articles)

External resources (34 links)