Extreme cold temperatures are forecasted to envelop the eastern United States this week. Many areas will experience conditions near or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Wind chill factors could make it feel as harsh as -50 degrees in some locations.
Arctic Blast Forecasted for Eastern States
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings about a “dangerously cold Arctic air front.” This front is predicted to sweep across the Northern Plains on Thursday before progressing to the Mid-Mississippi Valley, Ohio Valley, and the Northeast by Sunday.
Major Winter Storm Expected
As this cold air mass moves southward, it will interact with a frontal zone, leading to a significant winter storm. Major impacts are anticipated from Texas to the East Coast starting Friday and continuing through the weekend.
- Wind gusts will create dangerously low wind chill factors.
- Extreme cold warnings and watches are issued for the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest starting Wednesday night.
The NWS cautions that frostbite and hypothermia are possible, even without wind. Already, icy conditions in the Northeast have resulted in numerous road accidents.
Traffic Disruptions in New York
Interstate-90 in New York faced closures due to multiple crashes. The New York State Police reported significant incidents on Tuesday night. A pile-up involving 60 vehicles on I-90 extended over 6 miles, as shared by the Fredonia Fire Department on social media.
Snow Accumulations and Blizzard Conditions
The Great Lakes region is also expecting between 6 and 12 inches of lake-effect snow through Friday. Some areas near Lake Ontario might see up to 2 feet of snow. Winter storm warnings are currently effective for regions downwind of both Lake Michigan and Lake Ontario.
- Blizzard conditions have already been reported in parts of upstate New York, particularly along Interstate-81 towards the Tug Hill area.
- Visibility reached near zero in some locations, as confirmed by the NWS Buffalo office.
Preparedness Actions from State Officials
In anticipation of the winter storm, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein advised residents on social media to prepare for challenging weather conditions. He warned of potential power outages due to the forecasted winter weather.
Meanwhile, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has activated the state’s emergency response resources ahead of the anticipated severe winter weather. He emphasized the importance of staying informed and following local officials’ guidance, particularly as temperatures may drop below freezing, resulting in snow, ice, and freezing rain.
