A severe winter storm is set to bring extreme cold and hazardous weather to millions across the U.S., with sub-freezing temperatures expected in many areas. The storm follows a prior flooding incident, complicating rescue and recovery efforts in Kentucky and West Virginia where fatalities have occurred. Wind chills may reach life-threatening levels, necessitating emergency preparedness in the affected regions.
A significant winter storm accompanied by dangerously cold temperatures is forecasted to affect millions across the United States. This combination of Arctic air and storm systems will cause severe weather conditions from the Central US to the Mid-Atlantic, exacerbating recovery efforts in regions still recovering from recent flooding. The storm has already resulted in fatalities, primarily in Kentucky and West Virginia, where aftereffects are expected to worsen with incoming snow and ice.
As Arctic air moves southward, over three-quarters of the U.S. populace is likely to encounter sub-freezing temperatures by the end of the week, with records anticipated to be set for up to 27 states. The upcoming storm is projected to deliver significant snowfall, with affected areas in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia wrestling with both heavy snow and prior flood conditions. Rescuers remain active as they face the dual challenges of restoring power and aiding communities recovering from flooding.
The cold front has already brought wind chill factors dangerously low, especially in the Northern Plains, where temperatures have dipped to nearly 60 degrees below zero in some locations. Severe conditions persist as alerts span from the Plains through the Great Lakes and into the Northeast. Areas in Arkansas, North Carolina, and Virginia have declared states of emergency due to the incoming storm’s potential impacts, including heavy snow and icy roads.
Major snowfall is predicted for several states, with regions of Kentucky and West Virginia likely to see over a foot of snow. Cities such as Memphis and Nashville are also anticipated to encounter frigid temperatures and winter precipitation, with lows expected to drop significantly in the upcoming days. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warns of dangerously low wind chills, which can pose serious frostbite risks within minutes of exposure, especially in underserviced southern areas.
In summary, a severe winter storm accompanied by record-breaking cold temperatures is poised to significantly impact many regions of the United States. With prior flooding complicating recovery efforts and a forecast of hazardous winter weather, emergency services are working tirelessly to address both flooding and snow-induced challenges. The potential for life-threatening conditions necessitates vigilance and readiness among affected communities, especially as numerous states brace for dangerous wind chills and heavy snowfall.
Original Source: www.kten.com
