Major Winter Storm Set to Impact Millions Across the US

Sat Dec 20 2025 10:47:59 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A significant winter storm, fueled by the polar vortex, is expected to deliver record snowfall and plunging temperatures to much of the United States, affecting millions of residents.

The National Weather Service warns of the most severe winter storm in over ten years, impacting the central US and moving eastward, potentially bringing dangerous travel conditions and historic cold temperatures to states not typically affected by such weather.

A major winter storm is forecasted to sweep across the United States, threatening tens of millions of Americans with heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures not seen in over a decade. The National Weather Service (NWS) announced that this storm, which began in the central region, is expected to continue its path toward the eastern part of the country in the coming days. Areas typically unaffected by extreme cold, such as Mississippi and Florida, are under alert for potential life-threatening conditions.

The root cause of this inclement weather is attributed to the polar vortex, an expansive area of chilling air that swirls around the Arctic. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), many regions may experience their heaviest snowfall in years, with AccuWeather forecaster Dan DePodwin noting that this could mark the coldest January for the country since 2011. Temperature drops well below historical averages could persist for an entire week, particularly along the eastern seaboard, where the storm is scheduled to arrive by Sunday evening.

In the central United States, residents may face significant disruptions as a result of this storm, including hazardous driving conditions and widespread school and business closures. The NWS specifically highlighted regions in Kansas and Indiana, where accumulations could exceed 8 inches (20.3 cm). During this time, blizzard conditions are forecasted for parts of the Midwest, creating extreme travel hazards and a considerable risk of road blockages. Sleet and freezing rain are also expected for states including Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and West Virginia.

As the storm transitions eastward, millions more are poised for record-low temperatures. Urban centers like Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia are readying for icy conditions starting Sunday into Monday, with certain Virginia locations forecasting snow totals between 5-12 inches. Additionally, southern states like Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi may experience severe thunderstorms on the same day.

Private meteorologist Ryan Maue emphasized the storm's severity, stating, "It's going to be a mess, a potential disaster. This is something we haven't seen in quite a while." In light of potential flight disruptions, major airlines such as American, Delta, and Southwest are offering to waive change fees for passengers affected by this severe weather pattern.