Sun Jan 05 13:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Major Winter Storm to Slam US East Coast, Bringing Heavy Snow, Ice, and Frigid Temperatures

**Washington, D.C.** – A major winter storm is expected to impact millions across the eastern two-thirds of the United States, bringing heavy snow, significant ice accumulation, and dangerously low temperatures starting this weekend. The storm, which made landfall on the West Coast Friday, is predicted to move eastward over the next several days.

The National Weather Service warns of widespread heavy snow, particularly between central Kansas and Indiana, with areas north of Interstate 70 potentially seeing at least 8 inches of accumulation – potentially the heaviest snowfall in a decade for some regions. Blizzard conditions are possible in Kansas and the Central Plains due to high wind gusts and heavy snowfall, creating hazardous driving conditions.

The storm will then move into the Ohio Valley on Sunday, causing severe travel disruptions, before reaching the Mid-Atlantic states by Monday. Sleet and freezing rain are forecast for Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia, leading to icy roads and potential power outages.

Following the storm’s passage, bone-chilling temperatures and wind chills will grip the eastern US, with temperatures 12 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit below normal. This prolonged cold snap, potentially lasting a week or more, could make January 2025 the coldest since 2011, according to AccuWeather. The Ohio Valley will experience the most significant temperature drop, but unusually cold weather will extend south to the Gulf Coast, with even a hard freeze expected in Florida.

Experts attribute the extreme weather partly to a rapidly warming Arctic, highlighting the impact of climate change on weather extremes. The polar vortex, typically confined to the North Pole, is expected to dip southward, bringing the frigid air to the US. Studies suggest a link between the warming Arctic and an increased frequency of these polar vortex disruptions.

The Associated Press cautions residents to prepare for hazardous conditions and follow weather advisories.

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