(Update: White House, Department of Homeland Security)

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK (dpa-AFX) - Millions of Americans could be hit this weekend by one of the most severe winter storms the US has seen in recent years. The US capital, Washington, and numerous states have proactively declared a state of emergency.

The measure applies in whole or in part to New York, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Missouri, according to the governors of the respective states.

"This is a dangerous combination of heavy snow and extremely low temperatures," said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. By declaring a state of emergency, US states can mobilize relief funds and personnel much more quickly if necessary.

Accompanied by heavy snowfall and icy winds, the approaching storm is expected to stretch over a distance of about 3,000 kilometers, spreading from New Mexico in the southwest across the weekend all the way to Maine in the northeast, the weather service warned. Media outlets have described it as a "monster storm."

ABC News: More than 1,600 Flights Canceled

Airlines have already proactively canceled flights, according to media reports. Carriers such as United and Delta offered their passengers the option to rebook their trips or travel at a later date. TV network ABC News reported that more than 1,600 flights within, to, or from the US scheduled for Saturday had been canceled. Airports in Dallas, Texas, were said to be particularly affected.

Lufthansa has also canceled numerous flights to and from North America for Saturday. According to a spokesperson, flights to Washington, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Charlotte are still affected on Sunday. At many other airports in the west, south, and north of the continent, only isolated delays are expected on Sunday. Affected passengers are being informed about cancellations and alternative travel options.

Power Outages and Flashlights

There are also fears of massive power outages in US cities and regions, for example, due to falling trees or because overhead lines could break under the weight of freezing rain.

Weather warnings or special advisories are in effect for about 160 million residents. Authorities have urged people not to leave their homes if possible and to avoid using their cars. New York Governor Kathy Hochul warned that the expected cold could be "absolutely deadly." In parts of Minnesota and North Dakota, temperatures could drop to minus 45 degrees Celsius (minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit), according to the weather service.

In the US capital, Washington, in the east, the National Guard has been requested to provide off-road vehicles to support emergency crews. Disruptions to local transportation are expected. The capital's subway operator has not ruled out the possibility of rail breaks caused by ice.

The city has called on residents to keep flashlights ready in case of power outages. At a press conference, public officials also recommended charging mobile phones. Residents must also move their cars—if parked there—off certain emergency routes. This applies from Saturday noon through Tuesday.

Trump Takes a Jab at Climate Change

US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, used the weather forecast as another occasion to take a swipe at climate experts. "Could the environmental activists please explain—WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING???," the Republican wrote on the platform Truth Social. However, climate change does not mean there will be no more cold snaps or winter storms; rather, it means that average temperatures increase over the long term. According to experts, climate change also increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including storms and heavy precipitation.

Trump has repeatedly cast doubt on the existence of climate change. Months ago, the Republican called it the "greatest hoax." Even in his second term, he remains steadfast in his opinion, which runs counter to all scientific findings.

The White House told journalists that the entire administration is closely monitoring the weather forecasts to be able to respond. Previously, the Department of Homeland Security announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is working with state governments. The agency's distribution centers in the south and east of the country are stocked with more than seven million meals, more than two million liters of water, hundreds of thousands of blankets, and hundreds of generators./rin/DP/he