Travel warnings have been issued to millions of Americans in multiple states because of storms and ice storms.
Two advisories from the National Weather Service (NWS) warn people to avoid travel while the winter weather conditions are affecting the areas.
Why It Matters
The warnings apply to millions of Americans and will affect their travel plans this weekend, forcing them to make unexpected changes to their schedules.
The NWS has said the storms pose “threat to life and property” and could also lead to “widespread and long-lasting power outages.”
What To Know
The NWS winter weather storm warning for Saturday 24 January applies to multiple states across the U.S.
It said “heavy snow” of around “9 to 13 inches” will fall in Missouri, Southern Illinois “and the Ohio River counties of Western Kentucky to the Evansville Tri-State region.”
It added that 5 to 8 inches of snow is forecast in other locations across far southeast Missouri and southern portions of west Kentucky.
“Periods of heavy sleet in far southeast Missouri and western Kentucky are possible, mainly Saturday evening through midday Sunday, with some freezing rain possible in the southern Kentucky Pennyrile,” the warning said. “Sleet mixing in those areas may add up to over an inch, with a light glaze of freezing rain.”
“Travel could be very difficult and may become impossible at times,” the NWS added. “Extreme cold will exacerbate the danger.”
“Persons should consider delaying all travel,” the advisory continued. “Motorists should use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary.”
It will stay in effect until 7 p.m. E.T. Sunday.
Meanwhile, an ice storm warning for Saturday said “damaging icing” is expected with “up to one inch” of snow and sleet in North Carolina, South Carolina and northeast Georgia that would make “travel dangerous or impossible.”
“Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages,” the warning said. “Trees and large limbs could fall on structures, posing threat to life and property. Ice and snow covered roadways will become treacherous and impassable. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. “
The warning continued: “Significant amounts of ice accumulations will make travel dangerous or impossible. Travel is strongly discouraged.”
It will remain in effect until 1 p.m. E.T Monday.
What People Are Saying
NWS wrote on X: “Take this storm seriously, folks. Moderate to major impacts are expected from the Central US through to the Northeast today through the weekend. Hazardous to impossible driving conditions are expected. Avoid travel if at all possible.”
What Happens Next
The weather warnings stay in effect over the weekend and the NWS will issue fresh updates when more weather information becomes available.
The NWS said that if people have to travel, they should “keep an extra flashlight, food, and water” in their vehicles in case of emergency.
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