A massive winter storm is expected to impact over 40 U.S. states—from Arizona to Maine—threatening more than 235 million residents. The system, which will cover a stretch of land exceeding 2,000 miles, delivers heavy snow and ice on Friday, according to meteorological warnings issued January 22.
The subsequent flow of Arctic air linked to the polar vortex is projected to trigger dangerous refreezing events. These conditions could cause prolonged power outages and travel paralysis lasting multiple days across affected regions.
By Thursday evening (U.S. Eastern time), nearly 1,300 flights nationwide had been canceled through Saturday, with thousands more scheduled for cancellation before next week begins.
Earlier reports on January 19 documented a multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 196 near Hudsonville, Michigan, caused by heavy snowfall. The incident resulted in between nine and twelve injuries, though the precise casualty count remains uncertain.
