A blast of Arctic air will bring freezing temperatures and snow across the central and eastern U.S. this weekend. The Great Lakes and Northeast are bracing for feet of lake-effect snow during a peak travel period.
Highs in the northern Plains and Midwest will stay in the single digits or teens, according to AccuWeather. The National Weather Service has warned of “dangerously cold wind chills” in these regions.
By Saturday, nearly 196 million Americans will experience below-freezing temperatures. Central Texas to northern Florida will also see temperatures plummet to near freezing. In some areas, temperatures will drop 10 to 20 degrees below normal for late November.
Travel and Safety Alerts Issued
Dangerous Wind Chills:
Wind chills in North Dakota and Alaska could reach 30 below zero. Frostbite can occur in minutes on exposed skin, meteorologists warned.
Treacherous Roads:
Officials in Michigan cautioned drivers about icy roads. Less than an inch of snow can make surfaces slick. Drivers are urged to pack winter kits, buckle up, and increase following distances.
Snow Emergencies:
Erie, Pennsylvania, declared a snow emergency as the city expects up to 50 inches of snow. Parking rules and speed restrictions are in place.
In western New York, some areas may see six feet of snow through early next week. Officials banned certain commercial vehicles and mobilized National Guard members to assist.
Flight Precautions:
Airports in the Midwest and Northeast are deicing planes to ensure safety in freezing temperatures. So far, no major delays have been reported.
Regional Weather Impacts
The South, including Texas and Florida, faces freeze warnings with temperatures in the low 30s. Residents should protect vulnerable people, pets, and plants.
The Great Lakes region will experience snow at rates of up to five inches per hour. Winter storm warnings stretch from Wisconsin to western New York.
Across the Gulf Coast, rain and thunderstorms will accompany falling temperatures as the Arctic air moves in.
Forecasters warn of hazardous travel conditions nationwide. Those stranded could face life-threatening emergencies due to the extreme cold.
