Massive Storm Will Test Power Grids Across US This Weekend

Snow and dangerously bitter cold are expanding across the US Great Plains as the country’s largest winter storm prompts cascading travel chaos and threatens widespread power outages.

The storm is expected to span almost 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers), bringing heavy snow, crippling ice and subzero wind chills to some of the nation’s biggest cities. Economic activity may grind to a halt along the storm corridor, and a dearth of road-clearing equipment and road salt in some places will complicate efforts to reopen highways.