General News

Severe Cold Weather Engulfs the U.S. – Stay Warm!

News Summary

A significant cold snap is affecting over 75% of the U.S., with more than 70 million people under winter weather advisories. From snow in the I-95 corridor to travel disruptions and state emergencies, citizens should prepare for extreme conditions. The cold wave is expected to bring record low temperatures, impacting cities from Texas to Maine. Residents are advised to dress in layers and secure their homes against the elements as winter takes a firm grip this week.

Extreme Winter Weather Hits the U.S. – Time to Bundle Up!

Get ready for a serious cold snap, folks! This week, over 75% of the U.S. is bracing for a chill that could make you want to stay wrapped up in a blanket all day. With more than 70 million people under winter weather advisories and storm warnings, it’s time to heed those alerts if you’re in places stretching from Tennessee all the way to Maine.

Snow and More Snow

As we gear up for the weekend, it looks like a low-pressure system will be treating the I-95 corridor to a blanket of snow from Virginia to Maine. This winter wonderland is expected to begin on Sunday and stretch through to early Monday.

In the nation’s capital, they’re forecasting about 1 to 3 inches of snow. Not too bad, right? Well, if you’re in New York or Boston, you might want to prepare for a bit more, with projections of up to 6 inches of snow. Meanwhile, Hartford is looking at about 5 to 7 inches and Portland, Maine, could see up to 8 inches. So, be sure to shovel that driveway!

Travel Troubles Ahead

Travel plans? You might want to double-check those! By Sunday evening, more than 1,100 flights in or out of the U.S. were canceled, with an additional 5,017 flights delayed. That’s right – it’s a good idea to pack some extra snacks if you find yourself stuck in an airport! Notably, Newark Liberty International and LaGuardia airports faced over 20% of their scheduled flights canceled. So much for smooth travels!

States of Emergency Declared

On the East Coast, Philadelphia has declared a snow emergency, expecting around 4-6 inches of snow paired with frigid temperatures. Meanwhile, Washington, D.C. has activated a cold weather emergency due to perilously low overnight temps.

It’s not only the East Coast feeling the sting of winter. In Louisiana, a state of emergency is in effect, and Texas officials are mobilizing resources for the expected snowfall. Houston, in particular, is gearing up for up to 5 inches of snow beginning Monday night, with schools closing until Wednesday. Talk about a winter break!

Record Lows in the Forecast

Across the country, it’s shaping up to be one of those winters that will be talked about for a long time. Cities like Cleveland, Kansas City, and Houston are projected to face record low temperatures, dropping 20 to 30 degrees below normal. In Denver, they’re expecting a high of just 9 degrees on Monday – that’s a staggering 36 degrees lower than usual!

Even typically warmer cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Birmingham might not rise above freezing on Monday and Tuesday. Weather alerts are popping up everywhere, with the wind chills potentially plummeting to minus 25 to 50 degrees below zero in some areas from Sunday to Tuesday.

Preparing for the Worst

As winter weather continues to sweep through, nearly 150 million people find themselves under cold weather alerts. This brings warnings of frozen pipes, the risk of frostbite, and potential travel delays. Residents in Houston, for example, are being urged to prepare their water pipes to prevent ruptures amidst this icy blast.

With extreme cold comes high heating demand, leading to strain on local economies and power grids, so it’s best to dress in layers and be cautious of heating safety at home.

Expect the Unexpected

As this winter weather saga unfolds, don’t forget your winter gear! Whether you’re heading out to shovel snow, navigating seemingly endless flight delays, or just trying to stay warm inside, it seems it’s going to be a cozy time to share warm drinks with family and friends.

Stay warm and safe out there, and keep an eye on the skies – it’s going to be a chilly ride this week!