DALLAS
A massive winter storm poised to sweep coast-to-coast has forced the cancellation of more than 8,000 flights this weekend, with forecasters warning of catastrophic ice, crippling snow, and potential hurricane-level damage.
Roughly 140 million people from New Mexico to New England are under winter storm warnings.
The National Weather Service predicts a devastating band of ice from east Texas to North Carolina and heavy snow across the Northeast, with up to a foot (30 centimeters) expected from Washington to Boston.
The storm’s leading edge brought freezing rain and sleet to Texas and Oklahoma on Friday night.
With its path set to move from the South into the Northeast, governors in more than a dozen states have declared emergencies and urged residents to avoid travel.
“Stay home if possible,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott warned on social media as crews pretreated roads.
The sprawling storm threatens prolonged power outages and treacherous travel conditions across a vast swath of the country.
By James Kisoo
