A major winter storm is set to bring severe weather and potential power cuts to millions across almost two dozen states this week. The storm will affect as many as 170 million people with strong winds and up to 12 inches of snow in some areas. Southern states also face a critical risk of wildfires as temperatures rise. The storm will create drier air, strong winds, and lower humidity, increasing the risk of fires in eastern New Mexico and western Texas. A state of emergency was declared in South Carolina due to 163 wildfires burning, with some people forced to evacuate. The storm is expected to bring higher-than-normal temperatures through Wednesday, exacerbating drought conditions in multiple areas. The cold front of the storm will meet warm air from the Gulf, triggering severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and possible tornadoes in the southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley. Flash flooding could occur in areas hit by heavy rain, with widespread travel delays and flight disruptions expected. The weather system driving these fires is likely to be replaced by rain later in the week. Overall, the storm will have a significant impact on a wide swath of the country, bringing both winter weather and fire risks to various regions.
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