Major Winter Storm Hits Midwest and Northeast with Record Cold
UPDATE: A powerful winter storm is sweeping across the Midwest and Northeast, bringing record cold temperatures and significant snowfall. As residents wake up to winter conditions, nearly all of Virginia is experiencing accumulating snow, with major cities like Richmond and Washington, D.C. seeing their first snowflakes of the season.
In Washington, D.C., flurries have begun, and up to 1 inch of snow is expected before the storm moves out by Friday afternoon. Meanwhile, Richmond could see between 1 to 3 inches of snow accumulation. As of this morning, Portland, Maine has set a daily low temperature record, plunging to 3 degrees Fahrenheit, with even colder temperatures anticipated throughout the day.
In Chicago, temperatures have dropped to just 10 degrees, marking the coldest day since February 20. Wind chills are adding to the biting cold, with Buffalo and Boston both reporting sub-zero temperatures this morning. New York City is also feeling the chill, waking up to wind chills in the teens.
As this Arctic air continues to move eastward, Minneapolis can expect wind chills to drop significantly, with high temperatures barely rising above zero by Sunday.
Authorities warn that another wave of cold air is expected next week, which could keep temperatures across the Midwest and Northeast below zero, potentially establishing a pattern that will persist through much of December.
As the winter storm advances, the Rockies are bracing for significant snowfall. Areas from Idaho to Colorado could see over 1 foot of snow, with some high-elevation locations potentially receiving more than 2 feet by Sunday morning.
A fast-moving storm system is also forecast to impact the Dakotas and Nebraska, bringing a light coating of snow, which may intensify as it reaches Iowa Friday afternoon, where snowfall totals could range from 3 to 7 inches as the system strengthens.
Stay tuned for more updates as this winter storm develops, and ensure you are prepared for the severe weather conditions impacting millions across the country.
