The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning Americans about travel over the next week, including simply driving locally, as a swath of historic cold temperatures and heavy snowfall make its way across the U.S.
On Thursday, Jan. 22, the NWS issued numerous winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories impacting more than 24 states from Thursday into Monday, Jan. 26.
It’s not just the usual Midwest and Northeast, either. While those areas are bracing for unprecedented low temperatures, southern areas of the U.S. are also getting hit with unusually cold and severe winter weather.
150 Million Americans Getting Hit With Winter Weather Warnings
A huge, high-octane winter storm is set to bring heavy snow, ice and dangerous cold weather from the Plains to the Northeast this weekend, impacting more than 150 million people. In a statement provided to Men’s Journal, weather experts at AccuWeather say that their research points to expect “widespread power outages, travel shutdowns, and flight cancellations expected as Arctic air deepens.”
“Snow and ice will spread from Texas through the Carolinas and up to Massachusetts, affecting more than two dozen states,” AccuWeather states. “Major metro areas including Dallas, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City and Boston are likely to experience significant disruptions.”
What’s unique about this storm is that it also includes a lot of ice. “A thick glaze of ice is expected from parts of Texas and Oklahoma to the Appalachians and the mid-Atlantic, coating trees and power lines and creating widespread outages and impassable roads,” AccuWeather warns. “Utility crews may be overwhelmed as prolonged freezing temperatures slow recovery and extend dangerous conditions well into next week.”
Meanwhile, areas of north central and northwest Minnesota are bracing for wind chills as low as -44 F on Thursday, Jan. 22, and as low as -55 F from Thursday afternoon into Sunday, Jan. 25.
Weather Experts Say Storm Will Vary Greatly From Area to Area
In a statement provided to Men’s Journal, Jonathan Porter, AccuWeather chief meteorologist, says that this storm system will bring vastly different impacts across short distances.
“Changes in elevation, temperature and the storm track could be the difference between snow, ice, sleet, freezing rain or rain in the span of just 50 miles,” he notes. “This is a slower-moving storm compared to others we have seen in recent weeks. The freezing rain, ice and snow impacts could last 24 to 36 hours in some places.”
They also note that more than 150 million people are in the path for widespread power outages, travel shutdowns and flight cancellations.
For this week and weekend’s storm system, 28 states have received winter storm warnings, including Michigan, Montana, Vermont, West Virginia, Texas, Arizona, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Kentucky, New Mexico, Alabama, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Louisiana, Arkansas, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, New York, Indiana, Georgia, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Colorado.
Tips to Deal With Extreme Cold
This kind of dangerously cold weather can result in frostbite quickly. So, when possible, stay home when the weather gets this bad, especially if the roads are snow-covered.
“If your roads are not in good shape, consider postponing non-essential travel until the roads are cleared,” Ready.gov states. “If you do have to go out, make sure you are prepared in case you become delayed while traveling. Check your local weather and traffic reports before heading out.”
Cold weather can be beautiful, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not prepared. Another key is layering. Start with a base layer that wicks moisture, add something insulating, and top it off with a waterproof, windproof jacket. Don’t forget hats, gloves, scarves, and warm socks. Your extremities lose heat fastest, and keeping them covered makes a huge difference.
If you’re heading outside, keep moving to stay warm, but don’t overdo it. Sweating can make you chill faster once you stop. Always let someone know where you’re going if you’re traveling in extreme weather. Keep your phone charged and carry a small emergency kit with water, snacks and a flashlight.
