More than 70 million people across the U.S. are bracing for a powerful winter storm expected to bring significant snow, dangerously cold temperatures, and hazardous conditions this weekend. Winter storm warnings, issued by the National Weather Service (NWS), are already in effect for parts of the Mid-Atlantic and New England.
The storm is forecast to drop up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) of snow in some areas, with up to 6-8 inches (15-20 centimeters) expected across the northern regions of New Jersey. Cities such as New York, Boston, and Philadelphia are likely to see several inches, with heavier snow accumulating in outlying areas. Travel disruptions are already widespread, as more than 200 flights have been canceled or delayed along the East Coast. Additionally, freezing temperatures and high winds are predicted to cause significant issues for commuters and residents throughout the week.
The weather is expected to worsen with frigid temperatures following the snow, with wind chills in the Midwest already reaching minus 40°F (minus 40°C). From the Rockies to the Northern Plains, temperatures will plunge to as low as minus 55°F (minus 48°C), and sub-zero wind chills will stretch as far south as Oklahoma and the Tennessee Valley. Meteorologist Marc Chenard of the NWS warned of hazardous road conditions, urging caution, especially in the I-95 corridor. “By Monday morning, any roads that haven’t been treated or cleared will still likely be some hazardous travel conditions,” Chenard said.
This cold snap is linked to a disruption in the polar vortex, the cold air usually confined to the North Pole. The disruption is sending frigid air southward, causing the temperatures to plummet across the central and eastern U.S. While the cold air will moderate as it spreads, areas from the Northern Plains to the Mid-Atlantic will still experience bone-chilling temperatures well into next week.
As the cold front sweeps across the country, the storm will bring an unusual mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain to southern regions. Up to 30 million people in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Carolinas will experience these dangerous conditions. Louisiana has already declared a state of emergency, and officials are advising residents to prepare for potential power outages and treacherous roads.
With many areas facing extended periods of extreme cold, local governments are opening warming centers to protect vulnerable populations. The storm’s combination of heavy snow and bitterly cold temperatures marks the beginning of a chaotic week for millions across the U.S.
