Millions on winter weather alerts from Texas to Pennsylvania 

More than 50 million people from Texas to Pennsylvania have been placed under winter weather alerts on Monday, as winter conditions continue to worsen. 

According to the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center, more than 15 should expect ice accumulation, heavy precipitation, cold temperatures, and quick frostbite. 

“Total freezing rain amounts could become significant across parts of central Texas, southwest Oklahoma, central Arkansas, and western Tennessee, where over a quarter inch of ice accrual is forecast. Additionally, low to moderate chances for three-day ice accretion over a half inch exists over parts of central Texas and Arkansas,” the center said.

The weather service added that more than 15 million people are under wind chill warnings, as an arctic front slowly moves through the west. The wind chills could be as low as 45 degrees below zero and can cause frostbite in around 10 minutes.  

The freezing rain and sleet could lead to large impacts on the nation’s road networks and make it dangerous for drivers.

“Avoid travel if you can, but if you have to get out, watch out for ice/black ice, make sure to give yourself plenty of time and to slow down while driving,” the weather service said.

The winter storms have left more than 1,000 canceled flights and more than 5,100 delayed flights, according to flight tracking website FlightAware. According to The Associated Press, more flight cancellations should be expected in the following days.