Major winter storm: These areas across the US could see heavy snow and ice

A powerful winter storm will cover the northern half of the country starting this weekend and lasting into early next week.

More than 60 million people across the United States, from the Dakotas down to Delaware, were under winter weather alerts on Saturday evening, with many expecting the storm to persist through Monday, affecting a region stretching from Kansas to the East Coast.

The number includes ongoing snowfall in upstate New York, where three feet or more of snow has already accumulated and continues in areas near and just north of Utica.

If You're Going to Be Outside in the Cold
As It Gets Colder Packing the Right Gear Can Help. Wear layers of breathable clothing, including a base, insulation layer, and waterproof and windproof outer layer. This will help keep your body heat in. Also, wear warm socks, gloves or mittens, a hat, and scarf.
Choose the Best Boots
- Insulated boots with good grip are good for walking on icy or snowy surfaces
- Waterproof boots are also good in rain
- Wear boots that fit well and are not too small
Other Essentials
- Use hand and toe warmers
- Keep your neck and head covered
- Use a lip balm with SPF to prevent wind-chapped skin

The storm is expected to move along Interstate 70 and is predicted to cause heavy snowfall and icy conditions in the St. Louis area from Saturday evening into Sunday.

As the ice and snow continue to move east, conditions will become hazardous by Sunday, potentially affecting several cities in the Ohio Valley and the mid-Atlantic region, making travel conditions treacherous.

Roads in the states of Nebraska and Kansas became slippery due to ice throughout Saturday, with snow expected to add to the hazardous conditions.

Saturday afternoon, the Kansas City International Airport shut down temporarily due to a significant buildup of ice.

"Work to keep the airfield clear is set to continue through the overnight period," Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas stated.

Outages can be expected in areas with the most significant ice accumulation and snowfall.

Additionally, strong winds and tornadoes, and hail are relatively possible in Louisiana, Mississippi, and southern Arkansas.

Virginia's governor, Glenn Youngkin, announced an emergency declaration on Friday, anticipating the approaching storm.

Given the forecasted size of the storm, you may want to consider changing your travel plans to leave a day early, if you're scheduled to depart on Sunday, said Youngkin.

Kentucky's Governor Andy Beshear issued a state of emergency and opened emergency warming shelters across the state over the weekend, citing the danger of power outages due to snow and ice accumulation weighing down tree branches.

"If we lose power, it's likely to get extremely cold, particularly for our most at-risk neighbors in Kentucky, beginning Tuesday, so they might really benefit from these warming shelters," he said.

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If you need to venture out on the roads, be cautious and prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you," the governor emphasized. "We're already taking steps to pre-treat the roads and extensive state and local resources will closely monitor the forecast and be prepared to respond throughout the weekend.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency on Saturday night as a storm bore down on the state.

Residents of Maryland are advised to limit their travel, keep an eye on local weather forecasts, and be prepared for winter storm-related risks.

By Sunday evening, snow could arrive in Washington, D.C., making for a perilous Monday morning drive across a large area of the mid-Atlantic region, where multiple inches of snowfall are forecast.

The cities of Baltimore and Philadelphia may receive five inches or more of snow.

Expect unusually cold temperatures, 10 to 25 degrees below average, in the eastern half of the United States by mid-week.

Following the storm's departure offshore, bitterly cold air is expected to move in, resulting in sub-freezing wind chill conditions for the remainder of the week.

Temperatures will feel even colder than they actually are, dropping below zero in the Midwest and Northeast, and sub-freezing temperatures are expected in southern Florida.