Winter weather system covers much of U.S.

While Pennsylvania’s famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, predicted six more weeks of winter on Tuesday, states prepped for another blast of snow and ice from a storm system that stretches from New Mexico to New England. Heavy snow started Tuesday night, and some areas in Colorado and Illinois accumulated over a foot of snow by early Wednesday. Thursday is expected to be one of the worst days for air travel in a year as airlines canceled roughly 5,000 flights scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. Ice accumulation could trigger widespread power outages.

Are affected states ready? Several governors, including Greg Abbott of Texas, have declared weather states of emergency. Abbott confirmed the power grid is much better prepared than it was a year ago when a deadly winter storm swept through. Other governors have deployed state national guards to patrol roadways and assist motorists.

Dig deeper: Check the National Weather Service for the latest storm updates.