Over 95 Million Americans Facing Severe Cold and Snowstorm Alerts

Over 95 million Americans are on alert for severe cold temperatures and winter storms. Significant snowfall is expected in cities along the East Coast, including New York City and Boston. An extreme cold warning is active in the northern U.S., with wind chills potentially reaching -50 degrees in some areas. The Gulf Coast is also preparing for unusual winter weather, including potential snow in Houston and New Orleans.

Over 95 million Americans are preparing for potential extreme cold temperatures as a wave of Arctic air makes its way southward across the United States. In addition, a storm anticipated this weekend is likely to bring significant snowfall to many major cities along the East Coast, prompting numerous winter storm warnings and watches from the mid-Atlantic to the Northeast, particularly on Sunday.

In New York City, forecasts predict snowfall accumulation of 4 to 6 inches, which could mark the largest snowstorm the city has experienced in nearly three years. Meanwhile, Boston will likely see a mixture of rain and snow that will change to all snow later in the day, also expected to reach between 4 to 6 inches. Washington, D.C., anticipates 2 to 4 inches of wet snow, with the possibility that this will freeze overnight, while Philadelphia is set to receive 3 to 4 inches of snowfall.

The majority of the snowfall will occur on Sunday afternoon and evening, particularly affecting the Interstate 95 corridor from Baltimore to Boston, which may lead to hazardous travel conditions. In North Dakota, northern Minnesota, and northwestern Wisconsin, an extreme cold warning will remain in effect until noon on Tuesday, with wind chills potentially dropping to -50 degrees Fahrenheit. Such conditions pose a significant risk of frostbite to exposed skin within just five minutes.

Cities are also expected to endure severe cold spells. For instance, Minneapolis might face wind chills of -30 degrees Fahrenheit, while Chicago could see -20 degrees, and temperatures in New York City are projected to fall below zero. The Gulf Coast region, notably from Texas to Florida’s panhandle, is bracing for another winter weather event beginning Monday night, with the potential for snow and ice Tuesday.

This impending storm could cause major disruptions in travel along the Gulf Coast, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday. Areas in central and southern Louisiana, as well as parts of southeastern Texas, may receive over 4 inches of snow, while some pockets could exceed 6 inches of snowfall. Furthermore, freezing rain could contribute to ice accumulation along the coasts, exacerbating travel issues and raising the risk of power outages.

A notable concern is that southern cities such as Houston and New Orleans, which are unaccustomed to winter precipitation, are also in line for potential snowfall. Houston, which has only recorded measurable snow once since 2021, could face travel complications starting Monday night and continuing into Tuesday. New Orleans has similarly not seen significant snowfall since 2009; thus, preparations are warranted to mitigate the impact of this unusual winter weather.

The United States is currently facing an unprecedented weather event, with an influx of Arctic air expected to cause drastic temperature drops across many regions. This meteorological phenomenon is coupled with a winter storm set to impact major metropolitan areas, particularly along the Eastern Seaboard. Such conditions are notably dangerous, with wind chill factors creating risks of frostbite and travel disruptions attributable to snow and ice accumulations.

In summary, the United States is bracing for a significant winter weather event, with over 95 million people under alerts for severe cold and snowstorms. Major cities along the East Coast are expecting considerable snowfall, and areas in the Gulf Coast could see rare winter weather impacts. The situation emphasizes the importance of preparedness as many regions face unaccustomed conditions that could disrupt daily life.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com