A powerful winter storm has descended upon the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of the United States, affecting over 100 million Americans on Friday. As a result, travel disruptions and closures have been reported, while frigid temperatures continue to grip various parts of the country.

Flight cancellations have surpassed 1,000 on Friday, particularly impacting Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and LaGuardia Airport in New York City. Snowfall has been recorded in multiple areas, including Indiana and Delaware, resulting in hazardous commuting conditions in cities such as Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia.

New York City anticipates receiving 1 to 2 inches of snow – a significant event following more than 700 days of snow drought. In response to the storm, Philadelphia has declared a snow emergency, with the city's school district closing schools for Friday. Mayor Cherelle Parker stressed the seriousness of the situation, calling it "an all-hands-on-deck moment."

Joining Philadelphia, Baltimore City Public Schools and Pittsburgh's public schools have also decided to close their doors on Friday due to the severe weather conditions. In Nashville, schools have remained shut throughout the week, in the aftermath of disruptive snowfall that has wreaked havoc on roads.

In Cincinnati, the local police department has urged drivers to refrain from calling 911 for non-serious car crashes, emphasizing the need to prioritize emergency calls. The snowfall is expected to taper off by Friday night; however, the bitter cold temperatures will persist across most of the Northeast.

Additionally, a new Arctic blast is projected to bring dangerously low temperatures to the Plains, the Midwest, and the South this weekend. Wind chill factors are forecasted to make it feel like minus 17 degrees in Chicago, minus 10 degrees in Kansas City, 2 degrees in Nashville, and 8 degrees in Philadelphia on Sunday.

Moreover, freeze alerts have been issued for cities as far south as New Orleans, Jacksonville, Florida, and Corpus Christi, Texas.

As the winter storm continues to impact various regions, authorities are urging residents to exercise caution, stay indoors if possible, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being during this challenging weather event.