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Brutal Winter Storm Threatens Millions in US with Snow, Ice and Cold

A major winter storm is unleashing its fury across the eastern two-thirds of the United States, threatening millions with a dangerous mix of heavy snow, ice, and plummeting temperatures. From the Central Plains to the East Coast, residents are hunkering down and authorities are warning of the potential for widespread disruptions and treacherous conditions.

Blizzard Conditions Blast the Heartland

The storm system is pummeling the nation’s midsection with blizzard conditions, as strong winds whip around the falling snow, dramatically reducing visibility. Kansas and Missouri are bearing the brunt, with snowfall totals in some areas expected to reach up to 14 inches. Portions of Interstate 70, a key transit route, have been shut down as travel becomes nearly impossible.

Do not travel unless necessary!

– National Weather Service warning

The storm’s impact zone will expand and intensify as it charges eastward into the Ohio Valley and eventually the mid-Atlantic states over the weekend and into Monday. Forecasters are growing increasingly concerned about an icy mix coupled with the snow, heightening the risk for downed tree limbs and power outages. At the storm’s peak, even parts of the Deep South could see a rare, hard freeze as bitter cold spills out well beyond the storm’s path.

Polar Vortex Drives Dangerous, Record Cold

Behind the storm comes an unforgiving shot of polar air as the dreaded polar vortex stretches its icy tentacles deep into the Lower 48. Typically confined to the Arctic, this lobe of frigid air will send temperatures tumbling 12°F to 25°F below average for this time of year. Cities like Chicago and Minneapolis will struggle to climb above zero, while the coldest corners of the Upper Midwest could see temperatures flirt with an astonishing -25°F.

  • Wind chills will be even lower, prompting frostbite and hypothermia concerns
  • Daily record low temperatures are likely to fall by the wayside in many cities

Meteorologists attribute the increasing frequency of these polar plunges to a warming Arctic, which allows the polar vortex to stretch or meander southward more often. It’s a stark reminder that even as the planet heats up, the potential for extreme and dangerous cold remains very real.

States of Emergency and a Rush to Prepare

With mere hours before conditions deteriorate, a flurry of winter storm warnings and advisories blanket much of the country’s eastern half. NOAA’s Winter Storm Severity Index, which communicates the storm’s expected impacts, paints an ominous picture of major to extreme effects. At least a dozen states have declared emergencies, setting the stage for the potential deployment of additional resources to cope with the storm’s aftermath.

We’re doing everything we can to prepare and minimize risks, but this is shaping up to be a very serious winter storm. Now is the time to get ready.

– State emergency management official

Residents are heeding the dire warnings, making last-minute trips to stock up on food, emergency supplies, and cold-weather gear. Grocery store shelves emptied quickly as the rush intensified, while schools and businesses finalized plans to close or shift to remote operations in the coming days. After two years of relatively tame winter conditions in the eastern US, the looming storm is a jarring reminder of winter’s perils.

A Busy Stretch for Forecasters and Emergency Crews

As the storm gains steam and the bitter cold takes shape, authorities are keeping a watchful eye on a myriad of potential hazards. Heavy snow brings the threat of roof collapses, while ice accumulations snap tree branches and power lines. Frostbite can set in on exposed skin in mere minutes, while prolonged exposure risks deadly hypothermia.

This is the type of cold that can be life-threatening if you’re not prepared. Limit your time outdoors, dress in layers, and know the warning signs.

– Health official warning about dangerous cold

First responders and utility crews are positioning equipment and personnel to quickly address emergencies and restore power outages, while transportation departments deploy fleets of plows and salt trucks to keep roads passable. Forecasters will be providing frequent storm updates, with an eye on the potential for even subtle shifts in the storm track to dramatically alter snowfall totals and ice accretions.

The storm’s timing, with respect to the weekend, offers a sliver of hope that its most significant impacts will be blunted. Still, authorities are cautioning that travel will remain difficult and hazardous well into next week, as the Arctic chill slow the melting and treatment of roads. In an era of increasingly erratic and high-impact winter storms, this latest system is a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance and preparation in the face of nature’s fury.