Winter storm: 4,000 flights already delayed or canceled as nation braces for snow to fall

A massive winter storm is expected to bring “heavy snow and crippling ice” to more than 170 million Americans starting today.

Here’s what to know from the National Weather Service:

The National Weather Service is warning residents to prepare for “widespread heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain” from the Southern Rockies to New England this weekend.

The day before the storm is set to arrive, the NWS suggests residents adjust their plans, ensure they have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and bring their pets inside.

On the day of the storm, residents should remain vigilant and drive only if necessary, the agency said.

Other key tips include checking on neighbors and loved ones, properly ventilating emergency heaters and keeping power generators at least 20 feet away from a home.

Groceries are flying off the shelves across the country as residents stock up for the winter storm.

This weekend’s winter storm is expected to cause “widespread travel disruptions.”

Some areas could even see “extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions” thanks to heavy snow, ice and freezing temperatures.

Flight delays and cancelations have already begun, according to FlightAware.

More than 900 flights into, out of or within the U.S. have been delayed so far Friday, while more than 400 flights have been canceled.

Localized areas in several states could see a foot of snow or more as a devastating winter storm tears through the country.

Areas in Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Virginia and West Virginia are among those that could see up to 12 inches of snow this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Major East Coast cities, including New York City and Boston, could also see a foot or more of snow.

See the agency’s full forecast below:

More than a dozen states have declared a state of emergency as a powerful winter storm threatens millions of Americans.

These states include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

Chicago Public Schools has canceled class Friday as the region prepares for “frigid temperatures” and wind chills that could reach minus 35 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 37 degrees Celsius).

“There will be no remote learning for students tomorrow — Friday, January 23. We expect that classes will resume for all students on Monday, January 26,” the school district said in a statement.

Officials are rushing to rescue hundreds of dogs in Mississippi ahead of this weekend’s severe winter storm.

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An NBA game and dozens of college basketball games have been rescheduled across the U.S. as a devastating winter storm approaches, according to the Associated Press.

This includes the Washington Wizards game against the Charlotte Hornets, which has been rescheduled from 6 p.m. to noon on Saturday.