Winter weather alerts have been issued for approximately 32 million individuals as a severe cold front sweeps through the southeastern United States. Floridians are preparing for unprecedented lows, with forecasted temperatures dipping into the 30s in several cities, including Miami, which could experience its coldest night in over ten years.
Record Cold Temperatures Across Florida
Key cities facing chilling conditions include:
- Daytona Beach
- Jacksonville
- Orlando
- Tallahassee
- Pensacola
- Miami
- Melbourne
- Key West
- West Palm Beach
- Gainesville
Wind chills are expected to plummet to single digits in northern Florida and teens in central regions. Concerns grow over a potentially damaging freeze, particularly for crops and vulnerable populations.
Snowfall Forecast in the Southeast
As of Saturday afternoon, snow has already started to affect parts of the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Georgia, and persistent snowfall is anticipated to continue into Sunday morning. Accumulations may reach:
- 6 to 12 inches in eastern North Carolina
- 9 inches in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
- 7.5 inches in Tiger, Georgia
- 4 inches in Charlotte, North Carolina
A dry patch over central North Carolina may limit accumulation in areas like Raleigh, but snowfall rates are expected to reach 1 inch per hour in parts of South Carolina.
Severe Weather Impacts
This weekend’s snowfall follows a recent deadly snowstorm which has claimed over 100 lives across the country. As states work to recover, the National Weather Service warns of near blizzard conditions due to strong coastal winds that may reduce visibility and increase hazards.
Coastal flooding poses another significant risk, particularly in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where inundation levels could reach 2 to 4 feet. Emergency services in North Carolina have reported 340 vehicle collisions related to the winter conditions.
Travel Advisory and Emergency Measures
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol has advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel amid the dangerous conditions. Additionally, a curfew has been instituted for Onslow County starting at 6 p.m. daily until further notice due to the ongoing winter storm.
Broader Cold Front Affecting the Nation
The Arctic blast has extended its cold grip to 133 million people across the eastern United States, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 degrees below average. Areas from the southern Plains to the East Coast are experiencing severe cold, with highs remaining in the teens and 20s.
Mississippi, Louisiana, and northern Georgia are also affected as temperatures continue to drop. Although a slight warming trend is expected on Monday, below-average temperatures will prevail through much of the following week.
