Video: Massive Winter Storm Threatens the United States
A massive winter storm is poised to impact vast regions of the United States this week. Over 175 million people are at risk of power outages and significant travel disruptions. The storm, named Fern, is expected to start affecting areas from Texas and the Great Plains to states in the eastern U.S. on Thursday and Friday.
Scope of the Winter Storm
The storm could extend over 3,000 kilometers, covering more than half the length of the United States from east to west. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), “Arctic temperatures will spread into the eastern two-thirds of the country behind a cold front.” These frigid conditions are anticipated to progress from the Northern Great Plains towards the Mississippi Valley, the Ohio Valley, and the Northeast by Sunday.
Temperature Warnings
This Arctic cold wave will bring gusty winds, leading to dangerously low wind chill temperatures. The most extreme feels-like temperatures could plunge below -46°C in the Northern Great Plains. Currently, New York has been experiencing negative temperatures for several days. On Tuesday, the NWS observatory in Central Park recorded a temperature of -9°C, feeling like -17°C with the wind, marking the coldest temperature in New York since winter began.
Potential Impacts
- Intense freezing rain may damage electrical infrastructure and trees.
- Over 30 centimeters of snow could accumulate in New York and parts of the East Coast.
- Virginia and Maryland are likely to be hit the hardest.
Preparations and Emergency Declarations
As the storm approaches, certain areas are taking precautions. In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency and mobilized resources to tackle the impending snowstorm. Meanwhile, the Monroe County Road Commission, which serves a large area around Detroit, Michigan, has issued warnings about a “salt shortage” due to higher than usual usage this winter.
In previous winter storms, rural areas in the Northeast have experienced total isolation from heavy snowfall. With this storm forecasted, residents and officials alike are bracing for potential challenges ahead.
