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A powerful winter storm is set to blanket the Tri-State area with up to 18 inches of snow and light ice accumulations, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Winter Storm Warning from 1 AM Sunday to 1 PM Monday.
The warning covers portions of northern New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, where heavy snow and potentially dangerous travel conditions are expected. Officials warn that the combination of strong winds and heavy snow could down power lines and cause sporadic power outages throughout the region.
"The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute," the National Weather Service said in its winter storm warning. "If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency."
This storm is part of a massive weather system affecting approximately 200 million people across more than 30 states. The system will bring a powerful blast of Arctic air that meteorologists warn could produce "life-threatening cold" in some regions.
"These wind chills will pose life-threatening risk of hypothermia and frostbite to exposed skin," the NWS warned in its forecast for the broader system.
The winter storm is expected to begin in the Southwest before tracking eastward through Texas, Oklahoma, the South, and Tennessee Valley before reaching the Mid-Atlantic coast. In some areas, particularly along the I-40 and I-20 corridors, winter weather conditions could persist for days.
Transportation officials are already warning of significant travel disruptions. Major hub airports in Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, Memphis, and Charlotte are likely to experience delays and cancellations as the storm moves east.
Several states have already declared states of emergency, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, and Texas, allowing for the mobilization of emergency resources ahead of the storm's arrival.
For the Tri-State region specifically, residents should prepare for potentially hazardous travel conditions from Sunday morning through Monday afternoon. Road conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly as snow accumulates, with the Monday morning commute likely to be severely impacted.
The Associated Press reports that just half an inch of ice can lead to a crippling storm, toppling trees and power lines. While the Tri-State region is expected to see primarily snow, a light glaze of ice could compound the dangerous conditions.
Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm and to prepare for possible power outages by stocking up on essentials and ensuring they have alternative heat sources available.