Americans nationwide brace for a winter storm set to affect 40 states through the weekend, with heavy snow, freezing rain, and sleet, the US National Weather Service warned on Friday.
According to the data shared by the NWS, people in the North-East coast and the center of the country are expected to see heavy rains and snow in the coming days, with a warning of "considerable disruptions to daily life" issued by the authorities.
"Take this storm seriously, folks," said the NWS in a statement, and added, "Hazardous to impossible driving conditions are expected. Avoid travel if at all possible. Widespread closures and disruption to infrastructure may also occur."
US President Donald Trump also shared a statement regarding the storm, where he said: "I have been briefed on the record cold wave and historic winter storm that will be hitting much of the United States this weekend. The Trump administration is coordinating with state and local officials. FEMA is fully prepared to respond. Stay safe and stay warm!"
According to estimates by The New York Times, more than 180 million Americans will be affected by the sub-zero temperatures recorded in central and north-east United States.
More than 10,000 flights cancelled or delayed accros US
According to data from FlightAware shared by Fox News, more than 10,000 flights have been cancelled or delayed due to storm-related issues.
The report says that more than 6,500 flights through Sunday were cancelled, with another 3,600 being delayed.
Fox News also reported that power outages might be reported nationwide, with the Texas power grid especially vulnerable after damage during another record-breaking storm five years ago.
Reuters reported that the North American power grid operator MISO declared a maximum generation event due to forced outages and below-normal temperatures.