Winter storm update: forecasters say major system will impact large parts of U.S.

The Weather Prediction Center says guidance shifted slightly north for a major winter storm that will bring bands of heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain from the Southern Rockies and Plains into the East Coast Friday through the weekend.

Forecasters at the Weather Prediction Center issued a new update describing a major winter storm expected to affect large parts of the United States later this week. The agency reported that forecast guidance shifted slightly north overnight, expanding the area now expected to see impacts from Friday into the weekend. The system is described as expansive, with precipitation types including heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain across different zones. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm watches across many states and warned of hazardous conditions. Key details: - The WPC reported a northward shift in guidance and expanded the forecast area for Friday through the weekend. - Bands of heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain are expected from the Southern Rockies and Plains into the Mid‑South, then across the East Coast and potentially into New England. - Winter storm watches cover large areas including parts of Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, and several Southern and Midwestern states. - Forecast agencies warned of hazardous travel, possible power outages, and that confidence is high a significant storm will occur but details on track and amounts remain uncertain. Summary: Forecasters describe a widespread, multi-day winter system that is likely to produce varied precipitation and travel disruptions across a broad swath of the country this weekend. Officials say the timing and exact track remain uncertain and that further updates will refine expected impacts and locations.