Brutal Cold Snap Threatens Over 95 Million Americans with Severe Weather

Over 95 million Americans are warned of brutal cold weather and a winter storm this weekend. Significant snowfall is expected in major Eastern cities, while an extreme cold warning is in effect in parts of the Midwest. The Gulf Coast may also experience rare winter weather, leading to potential travel disruptions.

More than 95 million Americans are bracing for severe cold temperatures as arctic air descends across the nation. A winter storm is anticipated to bring significant snowfall to many major cities on the East Coast this weekend, with winter storm warnings issued from the mid-Atlantic to the Northeast on Sunday. New York City is projected to experience between 4 to 6 inches of snow, marking its largest snowfall in nearly three years.

In Boston, a mixture of rain and snow is expected on Sunday, transitioning to all snow by evening, resulting in similar snowfall accumulations as New York City. Washington, D.C., will face 2 to 4 inches of wet snow that may freeze overnight. In Philadelphia, a slushy accumulation of 3 to 4 inches is anticipated, making roads slippery along much of the Interstate 95 corridor from Baltimore to Boston, particularly in the afternoon and evening.

An extreme cold warning is currently in effect in North Dakota, northern Minnesota, and northwestern Wisconsin until noon on Tuesday, with wind chills plummeting to -50 degrees Fahrenheit. Such extreme temperatures pose a risk of frostbite within five minutes to exposed skin. Cities like Minneapolis and Chicago will face wind chills of -30 degrees and -20 degrees, respectively, while New York City may dip below freezing, impacting areas in the southern regions like Houston which could face temperatures in the 10s.

Moreover, another winter weather event will commence on Monday night, continuing through Tuesday along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida. Accumulations of snow and ice are expected, leading to considerable travel disruptions. Central and southern Louisiana, southeastern Texas, as well as southern Mississippi and Alabama may witness over 4 inches of snow, particularly north of Interstate 10.

The forecast suggests that regions from Lake Charles to Alexandria, Louisiana, could receive more than 6 inches of snow on Tuesday. The risk of ice accumulation from freezing rain remains a concern along the coast, affecting cities such as Houston, potentially leading to travel disruptions and power outages. Such severe winter conditions are unusual for the Gulf Coast, with icy effects possibly lingering through mid-week.

As colder air continues to move southward, cities across the Gulf Coast, including Houston and New Orleans, could experience rare instances of winter precipitation starting Monday night through Tuesday. Houston has not seen measurable snowfall since 2021, while New Orleans has not recorded any measurable snow since 2009. Preparations for this storm are crucial given the potential for significant impacts in these areas before the arrival of winter weather.

The article discusses an impending cold snap affecting over 95 million Americans as arctic air moves southward. This weather shift is accompanied by a winter storm predicted to impact major cities along the East Coast, leading to significant snowfall and travel disruptions. The report emphasizes the unusual cold for southern regions and the expected impacts from this winter weather event.

In summary, a severe winter storm is set to bring significant snowfall and extremely cold temperatures to over 95 million Americans. With forecasts indicating the largest snowstorm for cities like New York City in years and unprecedented winter conditions for the Gulf Coast, residents are advised to prepare accordingly. The potential for travel disruptions and icy conditions emphasizes the need for vigilance in the coming days.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com