Frigid Arctic Air Hits the U.S., Bringing Snow and Low Temperatures

CHICAGO (AP) — A blast of Arctic air is advancing towards many parts of the United States, heralding the start of significant winter weather. The cold fronts bring the possibility of snowstorms and sharply reduced temperatures, particularly hitting regions from the Midwest to the Southeast.

Forecasters from the National Weather Service predict that temperatures across the eastern two-thirds of the country may reach record lows, notably in the U.S. Southeast, where areas were basking in near 80°F (27°C) warmth just a day prior.

The frigid air mass is expected to sweep into the Great Plains, inciting gusty winds along with winter weather advisories. The Great Lakes and Appalachian Mountains may see accumulations of 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) of snow.

A specific concern lies around Lake Erie, where meteorologists anticipate the formation of lake-effect snow, known for creating localized blizzard-like conditions that can quickly alter snowfall totals.

In addition to the snow concerns, forecasters noted that Florida will experience wind chills dropping into the 30s Fahrenheit (around -1°C), although it might not be cold enough for the familiar phenomenon where iguanas fall from trees due to extreme temperatures.

In areas expected to be heavily impacted, such as northeast Illinois, travel conditions could become dangerous to impossible due to snow accumulation reaching rates higher than 3 inches (8 cm) per hour.

As temperatures plummet across the central U.S., warnings abound for hazardous travel in states like Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Snow is already affecting Michigan's Upper Peninsula with potential accumulations of up to a foot (30 cm) by Monday.

In Indiana, hazardous travel conditions are anticipated with projections of 11 inches (28 cm) of snow, while parts of Wisconsin face similar challenges.

Additionally, warnings for severe cold have been issued in states like Ohio and Kentucky, too, advising residents to take precautionary measures to protect vulnerable outdoor plants as the winter season looms.