Online Desk : A massive winter storm is wreaking havoc across North America, with several US states declaring a state of emergency and millions under weather alerts, a BBC report stated.

The storm is expected to bring the heaviest snowfall and coldest temperatures in over a decade to parts of the United States and Canada.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued alerts for 30 US states, spanning from Kansas to the East Coast. Snowfall of 6-12 inches (15-30cm) is forecast in areas such as Ohio and Washington DC, while upstate New York has already seen more than 3 feet of snow.

“For some areas, this could be the heaviest snowfall in at least a decade,” the NWS told BBC. Meteorologist Dan DePodwin added, “We could see the coldest January since 2011, with temperatures 12-25°F (7-14°C) below normal lasting for a week.”

Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri have declared states of emergency as the storm brings dangerous travel conditions. Even Florida, known for its warm weather, is expecting freezing temperatures.

The storm has caused major travel disruptions, with nearly 1,500 flights cancelled and thousands more delayed. Amtrak has also cancelled several train services, and major airlines like American and Delta are waiving fees for affected passengers.

In Canada, much of the country is under extreme weather warnings. Wind chills in Manitoba could drop temperatures to -40°C, while parts of Ontario may receive up to 15 inches of snow. Snow squalls, bringing heavy snow and strong winds, are adding to the hazardous conditions.

Road travel has become treacherous, with numerous accidents reported, including a fire engine overturning in Kansas. The NWS warned of “whiteout conditions,” saying, “Roads could become impassable, and there is a high risk of drivers being stranded.”

Meanwhile, severe thunderstorms and potential tornadoes are expected to hit southern states, including Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

Private meteorologist Ryan Maue told BBC, “This storm is shaping up to be a major disaster, something we haven’t seen in years.”