Millions of Americans are bracing for severe winter conditions as Storm Garnett barrels across the country, threatening 27 states with up to a foot of snow.
The storm is expected to bring hazardous travel conditions, potential power outages, and widespread disruption.
Massive Snowfall Expected Across the Midwest and Northeast
The storm’s impact stretches from the Dakotas and the central Plains to the East Coast, affecting states such as Nebraska, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has placed 30 million people under winter weather alerts, cautioning against dangerous road conditions and ice accumulations.
Eastern States Prepare for Icy Conditions
As Garnett pushes eastward, additional states—including Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine—are bracing for heavy snowfall. Residents in these areas are urged to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Those who must travel are advised to carry emergency supplies such as blankets, extra clothing, water, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and a shovel in case they become stranded.
New England is expected to face a snowy and windy Sunday morning, compounding the challenges brought by Storm Freya earlier in the week.
Garnett Could Be the Biggest Storm of the Season
Meteorologists at AccuWeather warn that Storm Garnett could be the most significant winter storm of the season for parts of the Northeast. Forecasts predict six to 12 inches of snow from the Dakotas to Boston, with Buffalo, New York, and Burlington, Vermont, expecting three to six inches.
Meanwhile, cities like Bismarck and Fargo, North Dakota; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Detroit, Michigan, could see one to three inches of snow. Ice accumulation is a major concern for the upper Ohio Valley, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia, where power outages are likely.
Power Outages a Growing Concern
Major cities including Des Moines, Iowa; Peoria and Chicago, Illinois; Toledo, Ohio; and Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Scranton, Pennsylvania, are at risk of losing power due to heavy ice buildup.
Although Storm Garnett is expected to clear by the end of the weekend, meteorologists warn that this is just the beginning of a series of storms sweeping through the U.S.
“The storm this weekend is just the next in a series of storms that is part of the pattern change that began late last week,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Joe Lundberg.
As the country braces for another round of winter weather, officials urge residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
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