Storm Impacts Nearly 40% of U.S. Population The system blankets roughly 40 % of the contiguous United States with snow, sleet and freezing rain, prompting winter weather advisories for about 213 million people [1][2]. An ice corridor stretches from east Texas to North Carolina, creating widespread hazardous travel conditions. The National Weather Service highlighted the corridor as a potential “catastrophic” ice band, warning of damage comparable to a major hurricane.

Snowfall Peaks in Colorado, Oklahoma City Receives Heavy Accumulation NOAA’s preliminary measurements list Crested Butte, Colorado at 23.0 in, Sawpit at 18.5 in, and Monarch Pass at 11.0 in, the three highest totals nationwide [1][2]. Oklahoma City is forecast to receive up to 22 in of snow, while Dallas sees only a few inches, illustrating the storm’s uneven distribution. Over 200 locations across 15 states have recorded snowfall ranging from 1.5 in in Iowa to the Colorado maxima.

Ice Band Threatens Hurricane‑Scale Damage Forecasters warn that the combination of heavy ice, snow and strong winds could produce impacts on par with a tropical cyclone, according to Associated Press modeling [2]. The NWS emphasizes that the ice accumulation could cause power outages, tree damage and structural failures similar to those seen in hurricanes. Emergency managers are preparing for extensive utility restoration and road clearance efforts.

Federal Officials Label Storm Largest Multi‑State Event in Decades DHS Secretary Kristi Noem told a FEMA press conference that this is “the largest storm that we’ve seen impact the most states in this big of a population in possibly decades” [1][2]. The statement underscores the unprecedented scale of the event and urges residents to heed warnings. Federal resources are being mobilized to support state and local response teams.

Arctic Air Keeps Temperatures Below Freezing Through Weekend surge of frigid Arctic air behind the system maintains sub‑freezing temperatures across the affected region, extending hazardous conditions through the weekend [2]. The cold air mass reinforces ice formation and hampers snow melt, increasing the risk of prolonged travel disruptions. Forecast models show temperatures remaining well below zero in many areas, prompting continued advisories.