Over the weekend, a powerful winter storm is set to impact more than 130 million people across the United States as heavy winter precipitation, strong winds, and bitterly cold temperatures move in, bringing dangerous conditions.
As that storm approaches, bringing dangerously cold temperatures, the National Weather Service (NWS) is advising those facing extreme temperatures to stay inside and stay warm as much as possible, especially those in particularly vulnerable groups.
Winter Storm Warnings
As the winter storm approaches, the NWS has issued a winter weather watch, storm warning, or advisory for parts of 30 different states, warning of nearly three feet of snow in some parts, along with high winds and life-threatening temperatures.
The storm is expected to bring up to more than six inches of snow to a significant portion of the eastern United States. This includes heavy snow up to two or three feet in the Great Lakes regions, and up to 12 inches of snow in the Great Plains, as well as the Appalachian Mountain regions of Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia, with up to 20 inches of snow projected in parts of Virginia.
Needless to say, it’s a pretty significant winter storm that’s expected to impact more than 130 million Americans across the country, creating treacherous travel conditions.
If you do have to drive in this weather, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready for these conditions, including your snow tires, even if they appear to have plenty of tread. There are also several important items you should be sure to have in your road safety kit before you hit the road in winter weather conditions.
However, the risk comes from more than just the precipitation.
Dangerously Cold Temperatures
While the heavy snow will undoubtedly get most of the headlines as the storm approaches, the NWS has issued a warning about the dangerously cold temperatures that will accompany the storm, warning that these conditions could pose a “life-threatening risk.”
“Talks of snow may be exciting, but dangerously cold temperatures bring even more risk this weekend. -50F wind chills in the Plains, and sub-freezing temperatures all the way down to the Gulf Coast pose a life-threatening risk this weekend, especially where snow/ice cause power outages. Prepare and have a plan to stay warm!” the NWS warned in a post on X.
The NWS warned of widespread dangerously cold temperatures that could reach below zero in several areas.
“Frigid temperatures will expand across the eastern 2/3 of the United States behind an arctic cold front. Frigid sub-zero and single-digit temperatures will expand from the Northern Plains Thursday into the Mid-Mississippi Valley, Ohio Valley, and Northeast by Sunday. Low temperatures falling into the teens are possible well into the Southeast and even the Gulf Coast by early next week,” the NWS wrote in its key messages this week.
“This arctic blast will be accompanied by gusty winds, leading to dangerous wind chills. The coldest wind chills may fall below -50F across the Northern Plains, with sub-zero wind chills reaching as far southeast as the Mid-Atlantic states and Southern Plains.”
Stay Warm, Stay Inside
As these dangerously cold temperatures sweep across the country, the NWS has urged everyone in those regions to stay warm and simply “stay inside.”
“These wind chills will pose a life-threatening risk of hypothermia and frostbite to exposed skin. Additionally, any power outages caused by a winter storm this weekend could prolong and compound this risk. Ensure pets and animals have protection from the cold,” the NWS warns.
The NWS warned that those who expose themselves to these sorts of dangerously cold temperatures can succumb to hypothermia “in a matter of minutes.”
“The arctic air can be dangerous. Combined with brisk winds, dangerously cold wind chill values can result. People exposed to extreme cold are susceptible to frostbite and can succumb to hypothermia in a matter of minutes,” the NWS warns. “Areas most prone to frostbite are uncovered skin and the extremities, such as hands and feet. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it.”
The NWS warned that the winter weather is especially dangerous for newborns, the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and unhoused individuals.
“Everyone is at risk from the dangers of extreme cold, but these groups are more vulnerable than most. Age and certain conditions make the body less able to regulate temperature,” the NWS warns.
The NWS warns to limit time outside and stay indoors as much as possible. If you do have to go outdoors, wear loose, warm layers and cover all skin. Additionally, the NWS advises everyone to consume hot foods and warm drinks but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Needless to say, if you were planning a hike or a camping trip over the weekend, it’s probably best to postpone it.
