Ground transportation officials are also bracing for significant delays. Highway crews in several Midwestern and Southern states have begun pre-treating interstates and primary routes with brine solutions to reduce the risk of black ice. Local authorities are urging drivers to limit non-essential travel, particularly after dark, when rapidly falling temperatures could turn wet pavement into a hard-to-detect hazard.
An added concern is the prospect of freezing rain across Tennessee. Forecast maps released early Jan. 24 show that cold air at the surface may remain locked in place while warmer air aloft supplies ample moisture. That profile supports the development of glaze ice on roadways, bridges, and elevated power lines. Emergency management offices in Nashville, Knoxville and other Tennessee cities have advised residents to stock up on batteries, non-perishable food and bottled water in case power service is interrupted.
Texas is monitoring a similar scenario. Weather specialists appearing on regional broadcasts have outlined the threat of an ice and sleet event capable of bringing down tree limbs and power cables. The Texas electrical grid operator has announced that additional generating capacity is being held in reserve and that crews are on standby to respond to localized outages. Comparable measures are being taken by utilities in adjacent states, highlighting concerns about prolonged exposure to below-freezing temperatures.
The breadth of the storm means that public safety resources are being stretched over a wide geography. Local governments from the Upper Midwest to the Gulf Coast have activated emergency operations centers to coordinate snow removal, warming shelters, and potential search-and-rescue efforts. Residents are being encouraged to keep cell phones charged, monitor local advisories and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Airlines have waived change fees for many of the affected routes, allowing passengers to rebook once the storm clears. However, industry representatives caution that aircraft and crews displaced by the cancellations may lead to a multiday recovery period even after conditions improve. Travelers are being told to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport and to anticipate limited seat availability on alternate departures.
The cold spell trailing the storm could intensify existing problems. Forecasters say a reinforcing surge of arctic air will settle over much of the Central and Eastern United States, maintaining sub-zero wind chills in northern states and keeping daytime highs well below normal farther south. These readings are expected to slow snow-melt and prolong the risk of icy surfaces. For many communities, the deep freeze could extend into early next week, raising the stakes for uninterrupted electric and natural-gas service.
Public health officials are reminding residents to check on older adults, young children and anyone with chronic medical conditions. Frostbite can develop on exposed skin within minutes at the predicted wind-chill values, and hypothermia remains a threat in unheated homes. Authorities also stress the importance of using space heaters safely and ensuring proper ventilation when operating generators.
Preparedness guidance released by emergency managers recommends assembling a basic winter safety kit that includes blankets, flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, first-aid supplies, and food and water sufficient for several days. Drivers who must be on the road are advised to carry jumper cables, sand or cat litter for traction, and a fully charged phone.
More detailed forecast information, including updated snow and ice accumulation maps, can be found on the National Weather Service website, which is being refreshed frequently as new data arrive from Doppler radar and satellite observations.
Officials emphasize that the situation remains fluid and that local impacts will vary depending on the exact track of the storm and the timing of temperature changes. Residents along the entire path are urged to remain vigilant and heed any additional advisories or evacuation notices that may be issued.
Crédito da imagem: ABC News Live
