WASHINGTON: Authorities across the United States have declared multiple emergencies as a powerful winter storm is expected to sweep through large parts of the country this weekend, bringing heavy snowfall, freezing rain and dangerously low temperatures.

In the US capital, mayor Muriel Bowser has declared a state of emergency with immediate effect, warning residents to prepare for severe weather conditions.

A snow emergency will also come into force at noon on Saturday and remain in effect until Tuesday morning.

During this period, parking on designated snow emergency routes will be prohibited to allow snowploughs to operate. Vehicles left on these routes may be ticketed and towed.

Similar declarations and weather alerts have been issued in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.

In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul warned that a major winter storm is expected to hit the state on Saturday, affecting New York City and surrounding areas. Weather forecasters say heavy and widespread snowfall is likely, with some areas receiving close to a foot of snow. The storm could also bring sleet and freezing rain, followed by a sharp drop in temperatures.

According to the National Weather Service, snowfall is expected to begin late on Saturday afternoon and continue through early Monday, with the heaviest accumulation forecast overnight Saturday into Sunday.

Forecasters have also warned of freezing rain Sunday into Monday, increasing the risk of icy roads and power outages.

The storm will be followed by an extended period of extreme cold. Temperatures in Washington and much of the region are expected to remain below freezing well into next week, with overnight wind chills dropping below zero.

Authorities have warned that prolonged exposure to such conditions could lead to frostbite and hypothermia.

Published in Dawn, January 24th, 2026