A massive winter storm is sweeping across the United States, placing over 100 million Americans under winter weather alerts. The storm, which originated in the Midwest, is now advancing eastward, bringing heavy snowfall, ice, and dangerously low temperatures to a vast portion of the country.
Midwest and Central Plains Bear the Brunt
Earlier this week, the storm unleashed significant snowfall across the Midwest. Missouri experienced up to 11 inches of snow, while Kansas reported accumulations of 8 inches. Oklahoma also saw over 2 inches of snowfall, leading to hazardous travel conditions and numerous accidents. State offices in Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky were forced to close due to the severe weather.
Southern States Grapple with Unprecedented Cold
The storm’s impact extended to the southern regions, where states unaccustomed to such frigid conditions faced extreme cold warnings. In Texas, the National Weather Service issued advisories as temperatures in the Panhandle plummeted to -6 degrees Fahrenheit, accompanied by snow flurries. West Texas cities like Midland experienced lows in the teens, with wind chills making it feel as cold as -5 degrees. Central Texas, including areas like San Angelo, faced hard freezes expected to persist until Thursday afternoon.
The Dallas/Fort Worth area was not spared, with subfreezing temperatures and a winter weather advisory in effect for freezing rain and minor ice accumulations. San Antonio and South Central Texas also experienced significant temperature drops, with evening temperatures dipping below freezing.
East Coast Prepares for Impact
As the storm progresses eastward, the East Coast is bracing for its effects. Up to 10 inches of snow are anticipated along the Virginia coast, while eastern North Carolina is preparing for significant ice accumulations. States such as North Carolina and Virginia have declared states of emergency, urging residents to stay off the roads to prevent accidents and ensure safety.
The National Weather Service in Wakefield, Virginia, highlighted the potential for heavy snowfall, especially over eastern and southeastern regions. There is a significant probability of seeing at least 8 inches of snow, with accumulations of 12 inches or more possible in some areas.
Northeast Faces Bitter Cold and Snow
In the Northeast, Connecticut experienced another day of extreme cold, with wind chills in the single digits and below zero in some areas. Morning lows were in the teens, with actual temperatures rising to near 30 degrees. A winter storm passing south of the state is expected to bring snow showers and minor accumulation, particularly less than an inch in southern and northwestern areas.
Impact on Daily Life and Infrastructure
The severe weather has led to widespread disruptions. Numerous school districts, particularly in Central Texas, are closely monitoring conditions to decide on closures or transitions to online learning. The National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio issued an Extreme Cold Weather warning for Austin through Thursday, February 20.
Travel has become treacherous in many regions, with authorities reporting numerous accidents due to icy and snow-covered roads. Residents are being urged to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The storm has also complicated recovery efforts from recent natural disasters, notably in Kentucky and West Virginia, where communities recovering from deadly floods are now contending with significant snowfall.
Looking Ahead
Despite the current harsh conditions, meteorologists anticipate some relief as temperatures are expected to rise above freezing by the weekend. However, until then, residents across the affected regions are advised to remain vigilant, stay informed through official channels, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this severe winter storm.
(Source : apnews.com)
