Millions of People in the United States Will Be Affected by Heavy Snow and Hazardous Travel Conditions

Wednesday, the catastrophic storm system that demolished houses in the South threatened additional tornadoes, freezing rain, hazardous travel, and power disruptions.

At least two people have been killed as a severe winter storm rolls east over the United States, unleashing tornadoes in the south and blanketing others in snow.

A tornado damaged their home in Louisiana, killing a small kid and his mother.

The massive storm also caused blizzard-like conditions in the Midwest.

US winter storm barrels east with millions

(Photo : Michał Mancewicz/Unsplash)

Blizzard warnings have been issued for 500,000 people in four states: Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Minnesota, with strong winds and heavy snowfall making travel impossible, as per the BBC.

Millions more people are under less severe winter weather warnings across the country.

Severe storms are expected throughout the Gulf coast, including sections of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.

Tornado warnings are also in effect in regions of Louisiana and Mississippi.

Rescuers spent hours searching for the mother and boy who died in a remote region near Shreveport.

Nikolus Little, eight, was discovered in a rural location half a mile from his family's house.

Yoshiko A Smith, 30, was discovered dead under a mound of debris around one street away from the demolished home, according to authorities.

According to Sheriff Steve Prator, the father reported them missing to the local news station KSLA.

A tornado struck the little village of Farmerville, some 100 miles (160 kilometers) distant, injuring at least 25 people.

On Tuesday, at least 18 tornadoes touched down in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Mississippi, hurting citizens and destroying houses and structures.

More was recorded on Wednesday, and the governor of Louisiana issued a state of emergency.

The storm is expected to influence the majority of the United States, with cold temperatures and snow projected as it progresses east over the next several days.

According to FlightAware.com, the extreme weather has caused hundreds of aircraft delays at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in Texas and Denver International Airport in Colorado during the last two days.

The storm has also made its way into Canada, dumping heavy snow and powerful winds in the country's southern Prairie area, which includes Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Freezing rain and other winter weather are expected to affect the upper Midwest and northeastern United States on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

Also Read: Tropical Storm Nalgae Brought Heavy Rains to Philippines, Causing Flooding and Evacuations

Forecast for severe storms

Strong tornadoes, severe winds, and massive hail could hit towns along the Gulf Coast on Wednesday, including Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Biloxi and Hattiesburg, Mississippi; and Mobile, Alabama.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning until 8 p.m. CT and declared it a "very hazardous condition," which is used when the most serious threats, such as severe, long-tracked tornadoes, are likely, as per CNN.

Widespread blizzard conditions will persist in the Northern Plains on Wednesday, with whiteouts possible at times.

Travel will be hazardous due to blowing snow and gusts gusting up to 55 mph.

Already, a 700-mile section of Interstate 80 from Wyoming to Nebraska is blocked, making travel nearly impossible. Other important interstates, such as I-90 and I-94, might also be affected.

Parts of Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the Maryland Panhandle could get a tenth to a quarter-inch of freezing rain from Wednesday through Thursday evening.

Due to severe ice accumulations, this area is under an ice storm warning through Thursday night.

Land areas of Fresh York and New England are anticipated to be hit by a new storm triggered by the system that will grow into a nor'easter by the end of the week.

It will travel into the Mid-Atlantic by Thursday, bringing rain, ice, and snow.