Kit Roberts
Governors of several states have issued emergency declarations as a storm is set to affect some 200 million people across the US.
The storm is currently heading for the US, where it could bury New York City under up to a foot of snow when it hits.
Widespread disruption is expected across the country, with the National Weather Service warning that 'nearly everyone east of the Rockies' is set to be affected by the storm.
Now, it has been named as Winter Storm Fern and could be a whopping 2,000 miles across, covering some 35 states with snow and ice, with the first expected to be hit from Friday (January 23).
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Starting from the southwest through Oklahoma and Texas, it will move across the south, as well as the Tennessee Valley, before heading up towards the mid-Atlantic coastline.
From Saturday, Winter Storm Fern is predicted to start battering New York state.
There, it is expected that it will cause 'considerable disruption to transportation and daily life', with at least six inches of snow expected to blanket the Big Apple from Sunday going into Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
The snowfall has the potential to reach historic levels, potentially matching the 16.8 inches that fell in Central Park over two days in 2021.
New York state governor Kathy Hochul warned of the risk from the cold and the disruption, saying on Wednesday: “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.
“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.”
But it's not just New York which has issued warnings over the incoming weather.
Governor of North Carolina Josh Stein declared a state of emergency on Wednesday and advised residents: “Please get ready. Get everything you need in advance of the storm and have a plan in case your power goes out.”
South Carolina has also declared a state of emergency, with Governor Henry McMaster saying: “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.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott also readied emergency resources in the Lone Star State this week.
Meanwhile, Maryland has declared a 'state of preparedness', with Governor Wes Moore saying: “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.”