London, 25 January 2026 (dpa/MIA) - Millions of people are bracing themselves for what is likely to be one of the harshest winter storms in recent years in the United States.

The broadcaster ABC News reported on Saturday evening that more than 180 million people are on alert.

At least 18 states have declared a state of emergency, including New York, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Missouri.

More than 8,000 flights have been cancelled for the weekend, according to reports.

US media published images of empty supermarket shelves and emergency shelters.

"This is a dangerous combination of heavy snow and extremely low temperatures," said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. With the declaration of a state of emergency, US states can mobilize aid funds and personnel much more quickly if necessary.

The storm will spread over a distance of around 3,000 kilometres from New Mexico in the south west to Maine in the north east over the weekend, the weather service warned.

Photo: EPA