Forecasters warn of "catastrophic" conditions as winter storm begins

• A state of emergency has been declared in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia, ABC News reports.

The latest, from NWS forecasters: "Snowfall totals exceeding 12 inches are likely across the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast."

• "In addition, widespread freezing rain and sleet are expected across the Southern Plains, the Lower Mississippi Valley, the Tennessee Valley, and the Southeast."
• "The storm will cause significant to locally catastrophic ice accumulations with the potential for long-duration power outages, extensive tree damage, and extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions."
• "In the wake of the storm, communities from the Southern Plains to the Northeast will contend with bitterly cold temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills."

Officials are begging people to avoid unnecessary travel, run generators outside in well-ventilated areas, avoid downed power lines and take other safety precautions.

• Many areas in the storm's path are ill-equipped for major winter storms and multiple days of extreme cold.
• The storm will be a big test for Texas power grid operator ERCOT, which says it has beefed up resiliency since a 2021 winter blast caused prolonged blackouts and hundreds of deaths.

By the numbers: Nearly 500 flights have already been canceled today, with nearly 1,500 cancellations tomorrow and 115 on Sunday, per FlightAware.

• Those numbers will likely rise given the storm's scope, length and severity.
• Many airlines are offering affected travelers a chance to rebook, but stress patience.

Between the lines: Some food delivery apps could temporarily pause service in some areas, Axios Richmond's Karri Peifer reports.

• Minnesota officials, meanwhile, are warning of exploding trees due to the extreme cold, Axios Twin Cities' Kyle Stokes reports.