National Weather Service Issues 'Stay Inside' Warning as 18 Inches of Snow Move Across U.S.

The National Weather Service (NWS) is advising up to 200 million people across the U.S. to not travel unless they absolutely have to leave their homes, following a round of winter storm warnings issued for more than 30 states for Friday, January 23, through Monday, January 26.

A widespread winter weather system is blanketing multiple states across the U.S., bringing heavy snow, dangerously cold temperatures and ice, according to the NWS.

"A significant, long-duration winter storm will bring widespread heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain from the Southern Rockies to New England through Monday," the NWS warns, even going so far to call this a "catastrophic" storm. "Widespread travel disruptions, prolonged power outages, and vast tree damage is likely."

Impacted states bracing for significant snowfall, up to 18 inches of snow, include Arkansas, Delaware, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Tennessee, West Virginia, Vermont and Virginia.

Winter Weather Warnings Bring Guidance From the National Weather Service

Amid the winter weather warnings, the NWS has released guidance for Americans bracing for extreme weather. "There is still time to prepare for most," the National Weather Service said in a statement.

So, what should you do to prepare for severe weather? The NWS says that the day before a storm, residents should adjust plans, keep an eye on the forecast, have multiple ways to receive warnings and bring pets indoors and ensure they have enough water.

As for the day of, the NWS says to check on neighbors and family, properly ventilate emergency heat sources, keep generators at least 20 feet from you home and take it easy when shoveling.

If you don't have to travel, don't. Stay inside, so long as your home is safe. "Thousands of people are injured or killed every year in traffic accidents related to slippery roads from winter storms," the NWS states. "Blizzards occur when strong wind causes blowing snow and whiteout conditions, making roads impassable."

As always, preparing early is best. "As we head into the final days for winter storm planning, now is a great time to reevaluate your plan and be prepared for adjustments with forecast changes," the NWS in Huntsville, Alabama, states.

Stay Secure Amid Dangerous Winter Weather

The American Red Cross also has advice on what to do when severe weather hits. "Check on relatives, neighbors, and friends, particularly if they are elderly or live alone," they note. "Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling snow, pushing a vehicle, or walking in deep snow."

Also, "caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out," the American Red Cross states. "Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide an extra layer of insulation to keep cold air out."

Finally, they say to stay off the roads. "The Red Cross encourages everyone to stay off the road if possible," they state, adding that if you have to travel, "fill the vehicle’s gas tank, and clean the lights and windows to help with visibility."

Also, they note, "share the details of your route, departure time, and estimated arrival time with someone" and don't use cruise control. It can make driving more difficult and slipperier.