Kentucky and Virginia declare states of emergency

Tens of millions of Americans are bracing for a massive winter storm that could bring the heaviest snowfall and coldest temperatures in more than a decade.

The storm, which started in the middle of the US, will move east over the next few days, the National Weather Service (NWS) said.

A state of emergency has been declared in Kentucky and Virginia parts of the US unaccustomed to extreme cold, including Mississippi and Florida, were warned to expect treacherous conditions.

Forecasters say the extreme weather is being caused by the polar vortex, an area of ​​cold air that circulates around the Arctic.

“For some, this could be the heaviest snowfall in more than a decade,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.

AccuWeather forecaster Dan DePodwin said, “This could lead to the coldest January for the US since 2011. this way.’

He added that “temperatures that are well below historical averages” could persist throughout the week.

Those cold temperatures will also be on the East Coast, where the storm is expected to make landfall by Sunday evening.

The central U.S. will experience “significant daily disruptions” and “dangerous or impossible driving conditions and widespread closures” Sunday, according to the NWS.

Some areas of Kansas and Indiana could get at least 8 inches (20.3 cm) of snow.

Blizzards are possible in parts of the Midwest.

“White light conditions will make travel extremely hazardous, with impassable roads and a high risk of stranded drivers,” the NWS warned.

Sleet and freezing rain are forecast for Missouri, Illinois and parts of Kentucky and West Virginia.

As the storm moves east, millions more Americans will see record low temperatures, forecasters said.

Cities including Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia are bracing for snowy and icy conditions Sunday through Monday. Some parts of Virginia could see between 5-12 inches of snow.

Also on Sunday, parts of the southern United States, including Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, may experience severe thunderstorms.

Private meteorologist Ryan Maue said: “It’s going to be a mess, a potential disaster. It’s something we haven’t seen in a long time.”

American, Delta, Southwest and United airlines are waiving passenger change fees due to potential flight disruptions.