A blast of extremely cold air from the Arctic has descended upon the United States, causing record-breaking low temperatures and triggering severe winter storms across the country. The frigid conditions, which began over the weekend and continue to persist, have prompted concerns that the situation could worsen in some areas later in the week. The Midwest, Great Plains, and Northeast have already been hit hard with heavy snowfall, and the storm is currently moving eastward, with the potential to break more records along its path.
Southern states, including Texas, are experiencing snow and freezing rain, with the wintry weather expected to spread to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. Major cities like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York are bracing for the impact of the snowfall, which could end a long stretch of snowless days in Philadelphia. The Great Lakes region is also being heavily affected, causing travel disruptions and school closures in cities like Chicago. Northern Michigan and western upstate New York, particularly Buffalo, are anticipated to receive significant snowfall, and residents are advised to be cautious throughout Wednesday.
The first wave of cold air has already begun affecting the lower Mississippi Valley and the Tennessee Valley, bringing a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. The Appalachian region is expected to experience similar wintry conditions as a second Arctic blast arrives later in the week. The National Weather Service has issued warnings about the dangerously low wind chills, which can lead to frostbite and hypothermia within minutes. People are advised to limit their time outdoors and take necessary precautions to stay warm.
The freezing temperatures have shattered records in various locations, such as Rapid City airport in South Dakota, where it reached -23 degrees. Missouri, Kansas, and Ohio are also expected to see temperatures drop below 10 or 15 degrees and remain freezing or below freezing until Wednesday. Governors in Alabama and Mississippi have declared states of emergency in response to the extreme cold.
The Gulf Coast states are forecasted to experience temperatures in the low 20s, while the deep South could see readings in the single digits. Subzero temperatures are anticipated in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, northern Arkansas, Iowa, and Nebraska. The Iowa caucuses may take place in record-low temperatures. Chicago is also approaching some of its coldest days ever recorded, with temperatures reaching -9 degrees.
The West Coast is not exempt from extreme weather conditions either, as another storm system is expected to bring freezing rain to the Pacific Northwest. Forecasters have warned of ice accumulations of up to half an inch, making travel conditions extremely hazardous. California will likely experience rainfall, and high elevation areas in the affected states can expect snow, leading to potentially dangerous road conditions.
Overall, the freezing Arctic air mass is causing significant disruptions and posing serious threats to public safety across the United States. Residents are urged to stay informed about weather updates, take precautions to protect themselves and their pets, and be prepared for potential travel delays and power outages.
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