Record-Breaking Cold and Severe Winter Storms to Impact Millions
A major winter storm is bringing record cold temperatures and hazardous conditions across the U.S. The cold snap follows deadly flooding, complicating recovery efforts in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia. Wind chill alerts are widespread, as millions prepare for snow and extreme cold over the coming days.
A severe winter storm will bring dangerously cold temperatures impacting millions of Americans, as Arctic air collaborates with a storm system from the Rockies. This weather pattern is expected to create hazardous conditions stretching from the Central United States to the mid-Atlantic region. Meanwhile, the bitter cold poses challenges for recovery efforts in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia, still dealing with flooding caused by the previous storm.
The earlier storm led to at least 15 fatalities, with reported deaths in West Virginia and Kentucky linked to severe conditions. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear warned of the dangers, stating, “That should tell all of us the weather conditions are as dangerous as that water is,” highlighting the serious situation facing the state as winter weather approaches.
By the end of the week, around three-quarters of the U.S. population is expected to experience below-freezing temperatures, plunging as much as 50 degrees below norms from February, threatening to shatter over 270 temperature records in at least 27 states.
A new storm is forecasted to add 3 to 6 inches of snow across flooded regions in Kentucky and more than 6 inches in parts of West Virginia, complicating cleanup and recovery operations. Emergency response teams have already conducted over 1,000 rescues in Kentucky, while West Virginia Governor Morrisey reports at least 60 rescues following the flooding.
Crews are transitioning efforts from immediate rescue operations to recovery work focusing on debris removal and restoring access to affected areas. Meanwhile, power restoration continues, with over 4,000 customers still without electricity. Governor Beshear also advised those with damaged heating systems to seek shelter to ensure their safety.
The extreme cold has already affected parts of the northern U.S., with wind chills plummeting nearly 60 degrees below zero in locations like Montana and North Dakota. Cold weather alerts now cover more than 60 million residents, extending across a wide area from the Plains to the Northeast.
As the winter storm gains strength, additional snowfall is expected in the central U.S., especially in states like Kansas and Oklahoma, while several states are under emergency declarations. Dangerous travel conditions are anticipated due to the heavy snow and ice accumulation forecasted through midweek.
Areas such as Memphis may see significant accumulations of snow and sleet while Virginia, particularly near the Atlantic coast, could witness its heaviest snowfall since the 1980s. As the cold front advances, temperatures are forecasted to drop substantially in cities like Dallas and Houston, while areas further south brace for icy conditions.
The impending cold wave poses frostbite risks due to extreme wind chills, particularly in the Northern Plains, where wind chills are predicted to range from 30 to 60 degrees below zero. Gusty winds will enhance the impact of the chill across southern states, intensifying the overall frigid conditions expected later in the week.
In summary, the U.S. is bracing for record-breaking cold temperatures and a significant winter storm that will impact most of the country. Alongside the current dangerous conditions, recovery from recent flooding poses additional challenges for affected states. As weather alerts remain in effect, safety measures must be prioritized in the face of life-threatening cold and potential heavy snowfall.
Original Source: www.kten.com
