This weekend, hazardous wintry weather from the storm will affect dozens of cities, with the potential for dangerous travel conditions, downed trees and long-lasting power outages.

Heavy, accumulating snow or layers of ice can weigh down power lines, causing outages in a winter storm. Falling branches can also land on lines, causing power disruption.

Rhode Islanders woke up to a wet, heavy blanket of snow that started Saturday night, Jan. 17, largely paused during the day on Sunday, Jan. 18, then resumed in earnest that evening, after the Patriots beat the Houston Texans 28-16 at Gillette Stadium.

Weather experts are warning that the ‘most extreme of the season’ winter storm could bring outages, shutdowns, ice, snow, and subzero cold to 22 states.

The sixth wave of rain in the past week will drench parts of San Diego County Wednesday and will be followed Thursday by winds powerful enough to make driving difficult on Interstate 8 east of Alpine and cause widespread power outages, the National Weather Service says.

Snow in the forecast brings more than just a winter wonderland. It also increases the chance of power outages. Winter precipitation can cause power lines to sag, particularly if a snow-laden branch pushes them down. Those power lines can snap, causing outages.

FirstEnergy is ramping up staffing, mobilizing crews and securing additional contractor and mutual assistance resources ahead of the nor'easter. Approximately 1,500 extra personnel are being deployed to central New Jersey before the storm arrives, where ...