Millions of Americans are bracing for severe winter weather today as Winter Storm Blair moves across the country, bringing heavy snow, strong winds and dangerous travel conditions to 15 states.

This came after the NWS announced that Storm Blair would cause “Arctic outbreaks” in many parts of the country.

Why it matters

Heavy snow could cause widespread disruption, making travel difficult and potentially dangerous, with reduced visibility, slippery roads and the risk of accidents or delays.

What you should know

The 15 states under winter storm warnings are Kentucky, Indiana, Maryland, West Virginia, Kansas, Montana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Alaska, West Virginia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Nebraska.

The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that regions from central Kansas to Indiana have a 60 to 90 percent chance of at least 8 inches of snow falling, but some areas, including Kansas and Missouri, could see up to 14 inches of snow fall. Areas with the highest accumulations could see the “heaviest snowfall in at least a decade,” according to the NWS.

The agency also warned that power outages and tree damage were likely due to the ice.

Meanwhile, in Yakutat, Alaska, the NWS has warned that snow will accumulate quickly Saturday. “For Yakutat, snow showers are expected to continue over the area throughout the night, producing very dry and fluffy snow. Snow is expected to accumulate quickly,” the agency said.

Wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour are possible in areas such as Kentucky, Kansas, Maryland and West Virginia.

The NWS said in a statement Friday that “travel of all types in areas expected to experience heavy snow and/or heavy icing will likely be very difficult and extremely dangerous.”

Travelers are advised to carry an emergency kit with a flashlight, food and water in their vehicles. Non-essential travel should be delayed, the NWS said, but if travel is unavoidable, extreme caution should be exercised. Drivers should prepare for sudden changes in visibility, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and allow extra time to reach their destination. Drivers should also avoid sudden braking or acceleration and exercise particular caution on slopes and curves. It is also strongly recommended that you ensure vehicles are properly winterized and in good working order.

In areas with ice accumulation, the NWS recommends carrying a winter storm kit, which should include essentials such as tire chains, jumper cables, a flashlight, a shovel, blankets and extra clothing. In addition, they recommended bringing water, a first aid kit and any other items that could help survival in the event of a stranding.

What people say

AccuWeather’s lead long-range expert, Paul Pastelok, said: “This could be the coldest January for the U.S. overall since 2011.”

He also noted that the storm’s onset in the Arctic “will take many days to complete and will not just be a quick one- to three-day event.”

The NWS said on X: “As we approach 2024 and head into 2025, above-average warmth across the eastern half of the U.S. is quickly being replaced by a series of outbreaks across the Arctic… with the coldest air of the season set to take hold by next week.”

What happens next

The warnings come amid reports that a polar vortex could bring the coldest January for the US in years.

A polar vortex is a flow of cold air and can lead to severe weather conditions such as heavy snow and freezing temperatures, which can impact travel conditions and lead to school closures.

“For much of January, the central and eastern United States will experience below-normal temperatures,” the NWS said last week.