This week, over 75% of the US will experience freezing temperatures. CNN
Extreme winter weather is gripping much of the United States this week, with frigid Arctic air sweeping down from Canada, a snowstorm tracking the Northeast, and a rare winter storm targeting the South. Travelers are facing significant delays, and many parts of the country, particularly the East Coast and South, are expected to experience freezing temperatures. Over 70 million people from Tennessee to Maine are under winter weather warnings, with 75% of the US predicted to face extreme cold.
This cold front has already begun to take a toll, with cities like Washington, DC, expecting snow, and temperatures plummeting into dangerous territory. Snowstorms are expected in the Northeast, with areas from Virginia to Maine facing up to six inches of snow by Monday. In particular, New York and Boston could see 5-6 inches, and Philadelphia declared a snow emergency as 4-6 inches are expected.
To add to the dire situation, the cold is so intense that Washington, DC, has activated a cold weather emergency, warning of dangerously low temperatures. These conditions led to the first indoor presidential inauguration in decades, as President-elect Donald Trump’s ceremony on Monday was moved inside due to the frigid forecast. Trump will also hold a rally afterward, but the event will be less grand than originally planned.
Travel disruptions are widespread, with over 1,100 flights canceled by Sunday evening, according to FlightAware. Newark and LaGuardia airports have seen over 20% of their flights canceled. As the storm approaches, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency, urging caution for residents and warning them to stay off the roads unless necessary.
In the South, the weather has triggered a rare winter storm, and states like Louisiana and Texas are bracing for significant impacts. Louisiana has declared a state of emergency, and Texas has mobilized state agencies to prepare for potential snow. In Houston, all airports will remain closed on Tuesday, and the city's schools are closed until Wednesday. The city could see up to 5 inches of snow starting Monday night, accompanied by dangerous freezing rain and icy conditions.
Extreme cold is spreading across the nation, with temperatures forecast to be 20-30 degrees below normal, particularly in cities like Cleveland, Kansas City, and Houston. Denver is forecast to reach a high of only 9 degrees, a significant drop from its usual temperature of 45 degrees. Southern cities like Atlanta and Charlotte will also struggle to reach freezing temperatures. The National Weather Service has warned that these conditions could cause frozen pipes and frostbite, and many are urged to take precautions.
Houston’s mayor, John Whitmire, emphasized the importance of protecting water pipes and urged residents to stay inside and check on vulnerable neighbors. Wind chill factors will also play a role, with wind speeds up to 25 mph, causing temperatures to feel like minus 25 to 50 degrees below zero, which can lead to frostbite in just 10 minutes.
A rare and significant winter storm is moving toward the South, with more than 30 million people in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia under winter storm watches. These areas are expected to see snow, sleet, and freezing rain, with power outages and travel disruptions likely. Major cities like Baton Rouge, Macon, and Montgomery could see up to 3 inches of snow, with the potential for ice accumulation causing power outages and downed trees.
