Meteorologists have forecast that seventeen states are at risk of another winter storm expected later this week.

The storm is expected to bring snow and ice from New Mexico through Texas and into parts of the Tennessee Valley starting midweek.

Why it matters

Much of the U.S. was already experiencing plunging temperatures as freezing air moved through the eastern part of the country, prompting several states to declare full or partial states of emergency.

Vulnerable populations, including infants and older adults, are at increased risk of health problems due to the dangers of freezing temperatures.

What you should know

A forecast map from AccuWeather shared with Newsweekshowed that snow could hit New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina between Wednesday and Friday.

A mix of ice, snow and rain was forecast for portions of northern South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

Areas where the greatest amounts of snow were predicted included north central Texas, northeast Texas and western Arkansas.

AccuWeather forecast several inches of snow in Dallas and along parts of I-20 in North Texas, warning that the storm “could essentially shut down travel through North Texas through Thursday night into Friday.”

AccuWeather forecasts rain primarily for the southern regions of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and South Carolina.

“Significant travel disruption is expected, in part due to dangerous driving conditions. The storm will result in numerous flight delays and cancellations at the airport as well as many other hubs in the southern United States as the storm moves east this weekend,” AccuWeather’s warning said.

“Very cold conditions will precede and follow the storm, increasing the staying power of slippery conditions and the risk of frozen pipes in poorly insulated areas,” it said.

What people say

AccuWeather meteorologist Tom Kines said Newsweek: “The next storm will hit Texas with sleet, freezing rain and snow Wednesday night through Thursday. Cities like Dallas, Texas, Austin, Texas and perhaps even San Antonio, Texas may experience wintry weather.”

What happens next

AccuWeather meteorologist Bernie Rayno said the storm later this week could impact in two ways.

In one scenario, the storm moves further south with little snow and ice. Alternatively, if the storm moves up the coast and strengthens, it could result in a major snowstorm stretching from the Carolinas to the Mid-Atlantic, potentially reaching as far east as New England.

Do you have a story we should cover? Do you have any questions about this article? contact [email protected].