As California is ravaged by wildfires, much of the rest of the United States is under a state of emergency due to intense winter storms sweeping across the country.

©Associated Press

A blanket of snow and ice fell on the East Coast on Monday, January 6th, which has caused disruptions from the Mid-Atlantic to the Northeast, according to the New York Times. But that isn’t the only winter storm impacting the U.S. right now as another arctic blast is expected to hit from Texas to Tennessee, the Associated Press has reported.

Multiple states including Maryland, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas, Kentucky, New Jersey, and more have declared States of Emergency due to the polar vortex making its way across much of the United States.

©Associated Press

While the northeast U.S. already got hit with an arctic blast this week, folks are preparing for another round of plummeting temperatures, freezing rain, snow, and ice. In Little Rock, Arkansas, schools are closed on Thursday and Friday in preparation for the storm which will likely bring heavy snow to the area.

The arctic blast is expected to dump sleet, snow, and freezing rain across the country from New Mexico to Alabama, with the heaviest amounts likely hitting Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas, according to the National Weather Service. The mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain could cause hazardous driving conditions.

©New York Times

By Friday, the system is expected to move northeastward with heavy snow and rain in the forecast from southeastern Texas to Virginia’s and North Carolina’s coasts. As much as eight inches of snow could fall throughout Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia through Saturday.

The polar vortex typically spins around the North Pole, but it will occasionally head south and impact the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Experts say these cold air outbreaks are happening more frequently because of climate change.

Snow on Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort

Over in Disney World, the temperatures are colder than you might expect — but no snow is in the forecast! According to a meteorologist with WESH Orlando news, you might want to make sure you’re bundled up before you head to the parks this week and weekend!

Here's a look at the colder out the door temperatures across Central Florida at this hour. Have a jacket ready to go before you head out.#weshwx pic.twitter.com/ojty4DeG2m

— Tony Mainolfi (@TMainolfiWESH) January 9, 2025

If you’re in any of the areas impacted by these storms, make sure you listen to local officials for any emergency management and safety updates — and stay warm!

We’ll be on the lookout for the latest news that could impact your Disney World trip, so make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more.