US states declare emergencies as historic winter storm threatens snow, ice and brutal cold temperatures

Texas, North Carolina, and South Carolina have preemptively declared states of emergency — with others urging caution — as a ferocious winter storm bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, and ice is expected to sweep the US this weekend.

The three states issued emergency declarations after the National Weather Service warned that “nearly everyone east of the Rockies” will be affected by snow, ice, or cold from Friday into early next week.

Gov. Greg Abbott activated Texas emergency resources Tuesday as an arctic blast brings dangerously cold temperatures and snow and ice are expected to pose hazardous travel conditions in North and Central Texas.

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein followed Texas’s lead and declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, warning his residents to “prepare” before the storm strikes the region.

“Please get ready. Get everything you need in advance of the storm and have a plan in case your power goes out,” Stein said.

Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency in South Carolina on Wednesday.

He mobilized the National Guard and enabled state and local emergency management officials to prepare and coordinate response efforts.

“Preparations are already underway by state agencies, and this State of Emergency ensures Team South Carolina is ready to respond and support communities as conditions develop,” McMaster said.

Other states have been monitoring the storm closely and have issued similar warnings to their residents, as more than 175 million people across the US are in the path of a potentially historic winter storm.

Late Wednesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul warned New Yorkers to brace for extreme cold and ongoing lake-effect snow.

Wind chills are expected to dip below zero Friday night and stay frigid through the weekend and into next week.

“Extreme cold poses a huge risk – it is crucial that New Yorkers take steps to prepare ahead of time to make sure they can stay safe,” Hochul said. 

“Dress appropriately if heading outdoors, have supplies on hand and continue to monitor your local forecast. Severe weather doesn’t discriminate – prepare ahead of time.”

The bone-chilling cold front is expected to peak later this week, with the Big Apple dropping into the low teens as Chicago, parts of Michigan, and upstate New York face frigid temperatures.

New York City could see more than a foot — the most in the city since February 2021, when 16.8 inches fell in Central Park over two days.

Maryland declared a “state of preparedness” as Gov. Wes Moore warned residents to watch local forecasts closely and brace for hazardous conditions.

“By declaring a State of Preparedness in Maryland, I am directing the Department of Emergency Management to coordinate the comprehensive preparation of State government ahead of potential impacts related to the incoming weather system,” Moore said. 

“The safety and security of our residents is our top priority. Please remain vigilant, listen to authorities, use common sense, and complete emergency preparations as soon as possible.”

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has also urged residents to stock up on food, fill up on gas, and be ready for potential power outages.

“As always, our state team will be pre-treating and preparing for the worst and hoping for the best,” Kemp said in a social media video. “Be winter weather prepared and will keep you posted on how things are going.”

Forecasters warned that the weather system, dubbed Winter Storm Fern, will send many cities’ temperatures plummeting well below zero — and could dump one to two feet of snow in some parts of the eastern US.

Many of the nation’s major air travel hubs are expected to be impacted, including Dallas, Atlanta, Memphis, Tenn., and Charlotte, NC.

Meteorologists also warned that subzero temperatures could cause trees to explode in the Midwest and Northern Plains.

Extreme cold spells that come on suddenly without giving trees “time to acclimate” can cause the “life-sustaining sap inside” to swell, according to the National Forest Foundation.

Forecasters are also advising people in states like Minnesota and Illinois to stay indoors to avoid hypothermia.