For days, the US weather service has been warning of a severe cold wave affecting the United States. A winter storm with very cold temperatures is expected this week in certain areas of the country, where more than 175 million people could experience power outages and other problems caused by the storm. The phenomenon will be intensified by a wave of Arctic air that will bring the most intense cold of the season. And according to official data from the National Weather Service, the storm is expected to last up to 72 hours.
The so-called Winter Storm Fern will affect two-thirds of the United States
According to the National Weather Service, the approaching storm will be characterized by a wintry pattern with heavy snow and hazardous conditions in several regions of the country. The storm is expected to extend more than 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers), from the Great Plains to the Northeast, affecting ground and air transportation. The so-called Winter Storm Fern will affect two-thirds of the United States, including the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast states, according to forecasts. More than 50 million people in nearly 20 states are already under storm warnings, meaning the recommendations are to stay indoors, avoid driving unless absolutely necessary, and take extra care of vulnerable groups, namely: the elderly, people with asthma, or those with heart conditions.
Avoid leaving their homes during the coldest, snowiest, and most icy periods
State authorities, including the governors of Texas and Georgia, have activated emergency resources for the coming days. “This Arctic blast will be accompanied by gusty winds, causing dangerous wind chills, with temperatures potentially dropping below -46°C in the Northern Plains,” according to the National Weather Service (NWS). States are preparing roads and advising residents to stock up on food, gasoline, and other essential supplies in case of power outages. And of course, to avoid leaving their homes during the coldest, snowiest, and most icy periods. Forecasts indicate that the snow could paralyze roads and major cities such as Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, Huntsville, and Memphis. The storm is expected to peak this Friday and continue through the weekend.
The challenging conditions include heavy snow and blizzards that are hindering travel and increasing the risk of accidents involving cars and public transportation. Given this forecast, Texas has already declared a state of emergency. These conditions are the main focus of the weather forecast for the day, with significant snow accumulations expected in several areas of the northern part of the country. Extremely low temperatures will move from the North toward the Mississippi Valley, the Ohio Valley, and the Northeast between now and Sunday. Specifically, the forecast indicates that snow will begin on Friday in the Great Plains, spreading south and east through Saturday and Sunday.
Dallas-Fort Worth, Raleigh, and Chicago could see record low temperatures
All recommendations must be heeded because, however precise they may be, the exact path remains uncertain. The combination of Arctic air and a winter storm could generate extreme conditions for several days, affecting millions of Americans. Meteorologists also warned that more than 30 centimeters of snow could fall across the Mid-Atlantic region. In the Northeast, in states like New York, winter storm warnings are in effect for areas such as Buffalo and Batavia, where heavy snowfall with significant accumulations and blizzard conditions are anticipated. Cities like Dallas-Fort Worth, Raleigh, and Chicago could see record low temperatures, with dangerously low wind chills that could cause frostbite in minutes. The lake effect in these areas could intensify the snowfall and make roads and overpasses slippery and hazardous.
It is important that citizens follow the instructions and recommendations of experts, authorities, and the agencies responsible for managing this situation. It’s not just about the extreme cold and snow; remember that ice on sidewalks and roads can be very dangerous. Let’s prevent falls and traffic accidents by making responsible decisions that don’t endanger ourselves or others.