News Summary
A severe winter storm is sweeping across the United States as an Arctic air mass brings bone-chilling temperatures. Over 70 million people face winter weather advisories, with significant snow expected in many regions. The cold front has led to travel disruptions, school closures, and emergency declarations in several states. The National Weather Service warns of dangerously low overnight temperatures, risking frozen pipes and frostbite. With nearly 150 million Americans under alerts, staying safe and warm is crucial as the icy conditions persist for days.
Severe Winter Storms and Arctic Chill Blanket the US
This week, much of the United States is bracing for an intense winter blasting through with an Arctic air mass that’s made its way down from Canada. If you think you can escape these bone-chilling temperatures, think again! It looks like over 75% of the US will be facing freezing temps during the next few days.
Winter Weather Watches and Warnings Everywhere
More than 70 million people are waking up to winter weather advisories, watching as the snowstorms sweep across the nation from Tennessee all the way to Maine. A low-pressure system is causing snow to pile up especially along the famous I-95 corridor, and it’s expected to hang around through early Monday.
Washington, DC, should prepare for some snow, with forecasts suggesting an accumulation of 1 to 3 inches. Meanwhile, cities like New York and Boston might get coated in 6 inches of fluffy white stuff! Not to be left out, Philadelphia declared a snow emergency with expectations of 4 to 6 inches of snow and freezing temperatures hitting Sunday night.
Cold Weather Emergencies Declared
Reacting to the biting cold, a cold weather emergency has been activated in Washington due to the forecast of “dangerously low” overnight temperatures. If you’re planning anything outdoors, remember that the President-elect’s inauguration will take place indoors for the first time since Ronald Reagan in 1985, all because of this extreme cold snap!
Travel Disruptions Galore!
Air travel is taking a major hit as well. By Sunday evening, over 1,100 flights in and out of the country were canceled and more than 5,000 flights faced delays. It’s not just the airports; several states are also declaring states of emergency. New Jersey and Louisiana have stepped up with emergency declarations, while Texas is busy mobilizing state resources in anticipation of the heavy snowfall.
In Houston, local airports have decided to stay closed on Tuesday and are expecting up to 5 inches of snow starting Monday night. Parents in the Houston area can expect their kids to stay home as the Houston Independent School District will be closed until Wednesday.
A Bitter Chill in the Air
The Arctic air mass isn’t just passing through; it looks like this extreme cold will be sticking around for days. Nearly 150 million Americans are under cold weather alerts. With temps slipping down, many areas are at risk for frozen pipes and frostbite! Those in the Midwest and Northern Plains might experience wind chills plunging to minus 25 to 50 degrees below zero!
Winter Storms Hit the South
Equally worried are over 30 million people in the Southeast who have been placed under winter storm watches. States like Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina are expecting to see significant snow and ice accumulation. Even Florida might not escape unscathed, as icy conditions could creep towards its borders, threatening hazardous driving.
The National Weather Service is warning everyone to be cautious, advising to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary due to a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain making travel conditions dangerous.
Record Lows Expected
Make sure you are bundled up if you are in Denver, where temperatures could only reach a high of 9 degrees, which is about 36 degrees lower than normal! Daytime highs for folks in southern cities like Atlanta and Birmingham are expected to struggle to make it above freezing. Very cold weather can be a hassle, so remember to protect your water pipes to prevent breaks and stay warm!
As we navigate these severe weather challenges, stay safe and warm! Weather like this brings its fair share of complications, so keep your coats handy and your cars parked as needed.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CNN: Severe Winter Weather
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
- USA Today: Winter Weather Updates
- Google Search: Winter Weather 2025
- The Weather Network: Winter Storm Watches
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impact
- NY Times: Winter Storm in Northeast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Storm
- Fox Weather: Winter Storm Updates
- Google News: Winter Storm Alerts
