A winter storm alert has been raised by the weather officials for Americans! After this, millions of people across the United States are preparing to protect themselves from serious damage and long power cuts.

The storm is expected to hit areas from New Mexico to the Carolinas. Heavy ice could break trees and power lines, while major cities on the East Coast may see heavy snowfall that could stop travel.

The National Weather Service said around 100 million people were under winter weather alerts. These include watches, warnings, and advisories. Forecasters said a large system carrying moisture could move from Texas across the South and then toward the Northeast.

Weather officials warned that cities along the I-95 corridor, including Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston, could see up to a foot of snow or more.

In Washington DC, forecasters said the mix of heavy snow, ice, and very cold temperatures could be dangerous for people and property across the region.

Here’s how the storm looks by the numbers:

Some cities in the South are not fully equipped for ice storms. Jackson, Mississippi, has no snowplows. Instead, the city uses construction machines and a few trucks that spread salt and sand.

Just half an inch of ice can cause major damage. Ice at this level can bring down trees and power lines, leading to long power outages. Several states, including Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee, could see this amount.

Nashville has a snowplow named “Dolly Plowton,” after country singer Dolly Parton. Another plow is named “Snowlene.”

Experts say wearing three layers of clothing helps people stay warm in extreme cold.

At least four major US airports are in the storm’s path. These include Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, Memphis, and Charlotte. More delays are possible along the East Coast.

Parts of Oklahoma could see up to 12 inches of snow.

Memphis has 15 snow and ice trucks, along with brine trucks to treat roads. Across Tennessee, hundreds of salt and brine trucks are ready.

By late Wednesday, 19 states were under winter storm watches. About 55 million people live in these areas.

Water freezes at 32°F (0°C). Weather experts say temperatures just below this level make ice especially dangerous.

Nashville has 45 snowplow trucks ready to clear roads.

In parts of northern Minnesota and North Dakota, wind chills could feel as cold as 50 degrees below zero.

Chicago has 330 snowplows, along with special vehicles that use beet juice to help prevent roads from freezing again.

Texas has about 1,000 pieces of winter weather equipment, including snowplows and brine trucks.

Arkansas has 78,000 cubic yards of salt stored across the state to prepare roads.

Government advisories are notifying people to stay alert, avoid travel if possible, and prepare for power outages as the storm approaches.