The Arctic freeze that has recently gripped the eastern United States was not only significant in its immediate impact but is also expected to leave a measurable mark on national weather records.
The storm was a powerful mixture of cold northern air and southerly subtropical moisture, all fueled by a strong winds aloft creating copious snowy condensation bands to set and break records simultaneously. The combined effect was massive snowfall totals amid winter storm – USA TODAY”>snowfall throughout the region stretching from the Virginias well into New Jersey and Pennsylvania over the weekend – with some pockets receiving over half-a-century all at once.
Powerful winds pushed the snow deeply into the most populated areas which led to some critical state-wide power shutoffs. Although the storm lasted but a few brief hours, temperatures plummeting to record winter lows wreaked major havoc by crippling transportation systems & localizing supply difficulties.
The unprecedented cold snap may have been enough to cause new record low minimum temperatures in selected cities across six states. Forecaster’s predictions hold that the persistent cold will sustain its grip causing more snow from the Midwest’s Great Lakes systems to the Plains and the southeast.
As America’s southern latitudes brace for severe winter weather next, the winter storm’s long-lasting effects present a significant obstacle to recovery activities. The heavy snowfall might have been exceptional, but temperatures are expected to remain dangerously low for this time of the year, providing no respite any time soon from the harsh climatic conditions. Public information and safety bulletins are a must to guarantee the safety & well-being during this challenging polar vortex. Winter storm warnings remained in effect nationwide, with significant snowfall or ice accumulation occurring in many densely populated areas causing potential travel advisories. Americans are advised to stay informed.
