The East Coast is bracing for an intense winter assault, as three powerful storms prepare to bring thick snow and plunging temperatures across multiple states in the coming days.
With Siberian air reaching the Gulf Coast, frigid conditions are expected to affect a vast swath of the country.
What to Expect from the Upcoming Storms
The first storm will move across the Midwest and Northeast on Saturday, bringing a mix of snow and rain to cities like Indianapolis, Detroit, and Cleveland.
As the storm progresses, it will move into the interior Northeast, and another storm will form over the Appalachian region.
On Sunday, the second storm will make its way through southern New York and New England, with heavy rain expected along the coast.
Snowfall will be heaviest further inland, with some areas receiving 1 to 3 inches, and up to 6 inches west of I-95.
Inauguration Day Challenges Due to Bitter Cold
With the extreme cold set to continue, the forecast for President-elect Trump’s inauguration looks concerning.
Meteorologists are predicting high temperatures only in the 20s, with snow from Sunday’s storm lingering into the event.
Wind gusts of up to 30 miles per hour will blast through the crowd, creating a dangerous risk of frostbite and hypothermia for those attending.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned travelers to be prepared with cold-weather survival kits and to take extra precautions when exposed to the elements.
The Coldest Air of the Season
The NWS has issued a chilling warning: the Lower 48 should brace for the coldest air-mass of the season from Friday through January 24.
The intense cold is expected to reach up to 45 degrees below average in parts of the Plains, Great Lakes, and Northeast, while more than 80 percent of the U.S. will experience below-freezing temperatures.
States along the Gulf Coast will also feel the drop, with temperatures 10 to 30 degrees colder than usual.
Winter weather expert Judah Cohen notes that the cold air is coming from Siberia and will stretch across the U.S., in line with the behavior of the polar vortex.
This unusually cold stretch is expected to cause significant disruptions, from frozen pipes to power grid strain, as millions of people scramble to keep warm.
Dangerous Wind Chills Across the Nation
Wind chills are expected to plunge dangerously low, with the Rockies, northern Plains, and Upper Midwest seeing wind chills of -30°F or colder from Saturday through Tuesday.
Parts of the country could feel like temperatures as low as -50°F by Monday morning, a scenario that poses serious health risks for anyone exposed to the elements.
Snow, Ice, and Slippery Roads Ahead
In addition to the extreme cold, snow and icy conditions will create hazardous travel situations.
The mid-Atlantic and Northeast will see snow and slippery roads on Sunday, while a wintery mix could affect parts of the Deep South early next week.
These conditions could severely disrupt daily life and create dangerous driving situations.
A Nationwide Freeze Affects Over 300 Million People
By Monday, over 300 million Americans will experience below-average temperatures.
For many cities that aren’t used to such extreme cold, the impacts could be life-threatening, particularly for those who are unprepared for the intensity of the freeze.
A Long Cold Stretch Ahead
Unfortunately, this frigid weather isn’t expected to let up anytime soon.
Meteorologists predict that the cold pattern will persist through the end of January, with more arctic outbreaks on the horizon.
The U.S. will continue to face an intense winter, and it’s essential for everyone to stay informed and take precautions during this challenging cold snap.
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