CNN
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Dangerously cold conditions will impact millions of Americans, setting the stage for widespread disruptions from a winter storm.
Arctic air is colliding with a strengthening storm system, bringing hazardous winter weather to parts of the Central US, eventually reaching the mid-Atlantic coast. These frigid conditions will complicate recovery efforts in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia, where communities are still dealing with the aftermath of a devastating flood from the weekend.
At least 15 people have died from last weekend’s storm, with two in West Virginia and 12 in Kentucky. One person remained missing in West Virginia on Tuesday morning, according to Governor Patrick Morrisey.
Two others reportedly died from hypothermia in Jefferson County, Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear said at a Tuesday morning news conference.
“That should tell all of us the weather conditions are as dangerous as that water is,” Beshear emphasized, highlighting the ongoing brutal cold and snow affecting the state.
The cold air wave will intensify throughout the week, with three-quarters of the US population expected to experience sub-freezing conditions by Friday. Temperatures will dip as much as 50 degrees below average, potentially breaking more than 270 temperature records across at least 27 states.
Winter Storm Impacts Intensify
February has proven to be exceptionally active for disruptive and deadly winter storms across the US. The unsettled weather pattern continues, with another significant winter storm on the horizon.
This new storm will dump 3 to 6 inches of snow over much of flooded Kentucky and more than 6 inches in parts of West Virginia, complicating the post-flood cleanup process.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Rescue crews in Kentucky and West Virginia are racing against time to complete flood rescues before the arrival of dangerous wintry weather. Since the flooding began, emergency teams, including the Kentucky National Guard and Kentucky State Police, have conducted over 1,000 rescues. In West Virginia, more than 60 rescues have taken place in areas hardest-hit by the flood.
There was hope that water rescues would slow down, allowing crews time to prepare for the incoming winter weather. Eric Gibson, director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, expressed this sentiment on Tuesday.
According to Governor Andy Beshear, the Kentucky National Guard is transitioning from life-saving missions to recovery efforts focused on debris removal, restoring access, and transporting supplies to affected communities.
Power Restoration Efforts
Power restoration efforts continue in the affected areas. As of the latest reports, over 4,000 customers remain without power in the state. Beshear emphasized that some people with power but damaged equipment might not have safe access to heat, urging them to seek shelter options to ensure their safety.
Governor Beshear urged residents: “If you cannot safely power your home by the middle of today, you need to be looking at a shelter option. You need to make sure you’re safe.”
Life-Threatening Cold Expands
The coldest air of winter has begun moving into the northern US and will expand rapidly in the coming days.
Wind chill temperatures plummeted to life-threatening levels, reaching nearly 60 degrees below zero in parts of Montana and North Dakota on Tuesday morning. This was the coldest it had been in Bismarck, North Dakota, in more than 16 years. Below-zero wind chills extended as far south as Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle.
Over 60 million people are under cold weather alerts across the Plains, Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast.
Winter Storm Details
Snow was falling in parts of the central US as a new winter storm intensified. This storm would bring heavy snow and dangerous ice from Kansas and Oklahoma to the central Appalachians and mid-Atlantic regions.
Travel disruptions were reported by Tuesday afternoon in parts of Oklahoma. Interstate 44 was shut down in both directions in the northeast part of the state and into far western Missouri.
States of emergency were declared in Arkansas, North Carolina, and Virginia due to the storm.
Parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas could receive over a foot of snow by Wednesday, including Springfield, Missouri, which would be its most snow in nearly 20 years. Major impacts were expected in this region, including dangerous driving conditions.
Memphis, Tennessee, could see 1 to 3 inches of snow and sleet, along with some ice accumulation, while Nashville could receive up to 3 inches of snow. Flood alerts remain in place for area rivers, including the Mississippi and Cumberland.
Snow will also fall in Virginia, where flood alerts are active for the James River. The most significant snowfall will be near the Atlantic coast, with Virginia Beach forecast to receive 10 inches, which would be its most in nearly 40 years.
Temperature Drops Across the Country
Temperatures in major cities like Dallas were set to drop sharply, with high temperatures on Monday of 56 degrees Fahrenheit likely to drop below freezing by midweek. Houston would see one final day with a high above 60 degrees on Tuesday before dropping below 50 on Wednesday. Cities such as Memphis, Nashville, and Atlanta were preparing for frigid conditions, with Atlanta forecast to reach the mid-30s by Thursday, about 20 degrees below average.
Wind chills will further exacerbate the cold, expected to range from 30 to 60 degrees below zero in the Northern Plains, creating risks of frostbite within minutes of exposure.
Gusty winds will extend below-zero wind chills to Texas and Arkansas by midweek, while single-digit wind chills are expected in parts of Tennessee and Kentucky toward the end of the week.
Winter Preparation Advice
As these extreme weather conditions persist, it is crucial to take precautions:
- Stay indoors during periods of severe cold and wind chill.
- Check on elderly or vulnerable family members and neighbors.
- Have warm clothing, blankets, and supplies ready for power outages.
- Listen to weather forecasts and alerts for updates.
These strategies can help ensure safety and comfort during these challenging winter weather events.
As we brace for these frigid conditions and additional winter storms, staying informed and taking necessary precautions can make the difference in ensuring safety and well-being during these harsh winter months.
In the face of these challenges, communities have shown incredible resilience and unity. Let’s stay vigilant, work together, and support each other through these difficult times.
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