Arctic temperatures, snow, and flooding are sweeping across the United States, impacting millions of people and causing significant weather alerts and warnings. Here's a breakdown of the extreme conditions affecting various regions:
Bitter Cold and Wind Chills
- Impact: Up to 60 million people from the Northern Plains to the Southeast are under cold weather alerts, including major cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, St. Louis, Memphis, Huntsville, and Myrtle Beach.
- Wind Chills: Dangerously cold wind chills are expected, with some areas experiencing temperatures feeling like -30 to -35 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Weather Service has issued alerts extending into Monday morning.
- Extreme Temperatures: The Northern Plains and Midwest will see the most extreme temperatures on Saturday night, with overnight lows potentially reaching -25 degrees Fahrenheit.
Snowfall and Winter Alerts
- Affected Areas: 68 million people from the Plains to the Mid-Atlantic are under winter alerts, with some lasting through Sunday midday.
- Snowfall: A quick-moving clipper is bringing heavy snow and gusty winds to these regions. Snow showers were already hitting parts of Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana on Saturday morning. The snow will move through the Midwest, reaching the Ohio Valley and Appalachians by evening.
- Snow Accumulation: A swath of 2 to 5 inches of snow is possible in central Iowa, Illinois, and areas through the Appalachians. The I-95 corridor will see 1 to 4 inches, with higher amounts possible in New Jersey and Long Island.
Flooding in the Northwest
- Dry Break: After a rainy period, the Northwest will experience a dry break on Saturday due to an area of high pressure.
- River Flooding: Significant river flooding will persist, particularly in western Washington. The possibility of rain returns on Sunday, with another strong storm moving onshore Monday and Tuesday, bringing heavy precipitation and strong winds.
