A powerful winter storm is wreaking havoc across the United States, bringing heavy snow and dangerous ice to the Northeast while knocking out power in the South. Here's a breakdown of the situation and what to expect:
Northeast Snowfall:
Intense Snowfall: The Northeast's Interstate-95 corridor is experiencing heavy snowfall, with some cities expecting their most snow in years. Rates could reach 1 inch per hour in regions like Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, D.C.
Snowfall Totals: Snowfall totals are expected to be 8 to 12 inches in the New York City metro area, marking the first half-foot snowstorm there in four years.
Switch to Freezing Rain and Sleet: Later today and this evening, the snow will transition to freezing rain and sleet, with accumulations depending on the timing of the changeover.
Southern Power Outages and Ice:
Widespread Outages: Power outages are surging across the South due to damaging amounts of ice and extreme cold. Over 325,000 customers are currently without power in eight states affected by the storm.
Ice-Hit States: The three states with the most outages are Texas (nearly 100,000), Louisiana (over 75,000), and Mississippi (88,000).
Ice Damage: The ice accumulation is causing major damage to trees and power lines, leading to long-lasting outages.
Arctic Air and Warmth:
Brutal Cold: More than half of all Americans will experience subzero wind chills in the next week, with extreme cold locking snow and ice in place and leaving those without power shivering for days.
Warmth Surge: A surge of warm air from the south will reach the Gulf Coast today, potentially generating record-breaking temperatures in Florida.
Severe Thunderstorms: The meeting of these contrasting air masses could spark severe thunderstorms in parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, with a Level 2 risk of severe weather.
Key Concerns:
Dangerous Icing: The widespread dangerous icing in the South is a major concern, especially for those who lose power. Meteorologist Briana Waxman warns of the potential for dangerous conditions after the snow and ice move out.
Travel Disruptions: Heavy snowfall will make travel impossible from the Plains to the Ohio Valley and Northeast, with some areas expecting a foot or more of snow.
Power Restoration: The restoration of power will be a challenge, especially in the face of widespread ice damage.
