A massive winter storm is bringing life-threatening conditions to North America, affecting more than 60 million people across the United States and Canada. Experts predict this could be the heaviest snowfall and coldest weather in over a decade.
Widespread Weather Alerts
Winter weather alerts span 30 across United states, from Kansas to East-Coast, with snow fall accumulations between 15-30 cm expected from Ohio to Washington, D.C. In Canada, extreme weather alerts cover much of the country, with temperatures in Manitoba dropping as low as -40°C due to wind chill.
States of Emergency Declared
Several states, including Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri, have declared states of emergency. Even Florida, known for its warm climate, is bracing for freezing conditions. Washington, D.C., anticipates 5 to 9 inches of snow, prompting the city's mayor to declare a snow emergency until Sunday evening.
Dangerous Travel Conditions
Severe travel disruptions are underway, with nearly 1,500 flights canceled and 5,000 delayed across the United States. Road conditions have worsened, particularly in Kansas and Missouri, where crashes involving trucks and even a fire engine have been reported.Â
Record Snowfall and Temperatures
The Annapolis area near Baltimore, Maryland, could see snow totals of up to 12 inches, while northern Missouri has already experienced 14 inches of snow and sleet. For areas with the heaviest snowfall, this could mark the most significant accumulation in a decade, according to the NWS.
Forecaster Dan DePodwin from AccuWeather notes that January temperatures could reach their coldest levels since 2011, with many regions experiencing temperatures 12-25°F (7-14°C) below average.
Additional Threats from Storms
The storm’s impact isn’t limited to snow and ice. Severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes are expected to hit parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. In Canada, Ontario could see up to 15 inches of snow, while snow squalls in other areas are causing further disruptions.
The NWS emphasizes the importance of avoiding travel during this extreme weather, as conditions are expected to remain dangerous throughout the week.
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