When does the massive winter snowstorm start? Timeline, impact zones, and what to expect

Southwestern United States is expected to face a chilly winter storm before it marches towards the rest of the country, dropping temperatures will be followed by cold winds, heavy snowing and freezing rain. The storm will stretch from New Mexico all the way to New England.

USA Today reported that on Thursday, more than 130 million people were alerted of the scruffy weather coming their way by the National Weather Service, out of which 106 million were warned about the extreme cold temps. These cold alerts cover areas from the Southwest, parts of the South, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Northeast.

AccuWeather meteorologist Bob Larson said this storm could be very serious and historic. He said the storm could affect more than two dozen U.S. states. Some states are already preparing for danger before the storm arrives. States like Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia have declared a state of emergency.

When does the snowstorm start?

The storm is expected to begin on Friday, Jan. 23. Snow and ice will continue spreading through the weekend. Snow is expected in many places between the Southwest and the Northeast, as stated by USA Today. Some parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia could get up to 24 inches of snow or more.

How long will the snowstorm last?

The National Weather Service said heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain will start across the middle of the country on Jan. 23. The storm system will move toward the East Coast by Jan. 25. The storm could last until Jan. 26 in parts of New England. People have been warned to stay home and avoid driving during the storm. Roads may be dangerous because of ice and heavy snow.

Winter safety warning

The National Weather Service warned that the cold could be life-threatening. The risk of frostbite and hypothermia will increase sharply by the weekend. Wind chills could be dangerous for anyone exposed to the cold. Power outages caused by the storm could make the danger even worse. Officials are asking people to prepare, stay indoors, and stay safe, as per National Weather Service, via USA Today.

FAQs

Q1. When will the massive winter snowstorm begin in the U.S.?

The storm is expected to start on Friday and continue through the weekend, affecting many states with snow, ice, and extreme cold.

Q2. Which areas will be most affected by the winter storm?

Large parts of the Southwest, South, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast may see heavy snow, freezing rain, and dangerous cold.