Emergency declarations have been issued in Kentucky, Virginia, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri due to severe winter weather.
Treacherous road conditions have already caused numerous accidents, including crashes involving lorries and cars, and a fire truck rollover in Kansas, according to state highway patrol trooper Ben Gardner.
Southern states unaccustomed to freezing conditions, like Mississippi and Florida, have also been warned to prepare for hazardous weather.
As the storm moves east, forecasters predict record-low temperatures for millions of Americans. A blizzard warning is in effect for central and western Kansas, with the National Weather Service (NWS) advising against all travel due to “life-threatening” conditions. Visibility may drop below 0.25 miles (0.4 km), with gusts up to 45 mph (72 km/h) and an additional 2 inches (5 cm) of snow expected.
The warning remains active until 6:00 PM local time Sunday (00:00 GMT Monday).
Flight disruptions are widespread, with over 2,000 delays and 1,500 cancellations reported today. Kansas City International Airport has canceled 86% of its outbound flights, while St. Louis Lambert International Airport in Missouri leads inbound disruptions, with 53% of flights delayed.
Major airlines, including American, Delta, Southwest, and United, have issued travel alerts for affected airports, waiving change fees for passengers impacted by the storm.
As the storm progresses, cities like Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia are preparing for heavy snowfall and strong winds. Philadelphia expects up to 7 inches (18 cm) of snow and temperatures as low as -6°C (21°F). In response, the city’s mayor has announced the closure of all public schools and government offices on Monday.
