Severe Winter Storm to Impact Majority of the US with Freezing Temperatures
The US is facing a rare winter storm, with over 75% expected to experience freezing temperatures. More than 70 million people are under winter weather advisories, leading to significant travel disruptions. The storm brings extreme cold, potentially hazardous conditions, and snow forecasts for cities from the Northeast to the South.
Over 75% of the United States is expected to experience freezing temperatures this week due to a rare winter storm impacting the South. Arctic air is sweeping down from Canada, bringing snow to the Northeast and significant cold nationwide. Millions of travelers are facing disruptions as over 70 million individuals are under winter weather advisories, particularly from Tennessee to Maine, where snowfall is anticipated across various cities.
As this exceptional winter weather progresses, areas such as Washington, DC, are projected to receive 1 to 3 inches of snow, while New York and Boston may see up to 6 inches. The states of Connecticut and Maine could receive 5 to 7 inches and 8 inches of snowfall, respectively. By Sunday, over 964 flights had been canceled with an additional 1,700 delayed, significantly affecting New Jersey’s airports.
New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency, advising residents to exercise caution and limit travel unless necessary. Concurrently, the South is preparing for the winter storm, as Louisiana has also declared a state of emergency, and Texas is mobilizing resources to address potential snowfall.
With extreme cold affecting vast regions, nearly 150 million people are under cold weather alerts. The risk of frozen pipes, frostbite, and travel delays is heightened as several cities face temperatures dropping 20 to 30 degrees below normal. Denver, for instance, is anticipating a high of merely 9 degrees.
Wind factors will exacerbate the cold, creating wind chills between minus 25 to 50 degrees below zero across the Midwest and Northern Plains. These conditions pose risks of frostbite to exposed skin within a mere ten minutes. The impending winter storm across the South affects over 30 million individuals from Texas to Georgia, with significant travel disruptions anticipated amidst the storm’s advance.
The forecast recommends a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain particularly impacting the areas near the Interstate 20 corridor, with certain regions projected to receive substantial snow accumulations. Locations like Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, and Montgomery may receive at least 3 inches of snow, raising concerns about potential power outages due to ice accumulation.
The current weather phenomena are attributed to a strong Arctic air mass infiltrating the southern regions of the United States, marking an unusual meteorological event for many areas typically unaccustomed to such harsh winter conditions. The alignment of several low-pressure systems has prompted significant snowfall and cold temperatures across much of the country, especially affecting transport and mobility.
In summary, the United States is grappling with an extraordinary winter storm that is set to affect over 75% of the nation, particularly impacting travel through flight cancellations and dangerous road conditions. The South is bracing for unprecedented weather changes as states issue emergencies and prepare for potential power outages due to ice and snow. Residents are urged to exercise caution as the situation develops throughout the week.
Original Source: www.local3news.com
