An intense Arctic blast is currently sweeping through the United States, leading to significant snow and ice accumulation in the South. This development marks a stark shift from previous storms that primarily brought tornadoes and severe thunderstorms to the region. Over 75% of the U.S. population is expected to experience below-freezing temperatures in the upcoming week, with over 250 daily cold temperature records potentially being shattered from Oregon to Mississippi.
This Arctic air, originating from western and central Canada, is making its way across the U.S., posing serious health risks due to the severe cold, and threatening extensive property damage due to frozen pipes. Additionally, a storm that started in the Northwest is intensifying and will likely evolve into a major blizzard in the Midwest, adding to the winter woes.
In southern cities like Memphis, Dallas, and Nashville, temperatures are anticipated to stay below freezing for at least 72 consecutive hours. This prolonged exposure to cold is expected to cause damage to exposed pipes and could lead to water main breaks, as warned by the National Weather Service office in Jackson, Mississippi. Texas’s power grid, known for its vulnerability to extreme temperatures, will be tested as demand surges due to the plummeting temperatures. ERCOT, the state’s
independent grid operator, has issued a weather watch, preparing for the increased power demand and potential dip in reserves. However, they expect to have enough power to avoid outages.
Wind chills in the South could reach dangerously low levels, posing life-threatening risks such as frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. These conditions are exacerbated by winds ranging from 10 to 25 mph. The cold air sets the stage for a new system to move out of the Rockies and into the southern Plains, bringing snow, sleet, and freezing rain from Texas to Virginia. Winter storm alerts cover a vast area from Texas to Virginia, affecting over 45 million people, including all of Tennessee and Arkansas.
Arkansas and Louisiana have declared states of emergency in anticipation of the system, preparing for its arrival. The primary concern is ice accumulation, with a strip of sleet and freezing rain expected from San Angelo, Texas, to Huntsville, Alabama. This ice could build up on roadways, trees, and power lines, creating hazardous conditions.
In Dallas, a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow is predicted, complicating the Monday morning commute and making travel dangerous. The impact of this Arctic blast is not limited to the South; it extends to the Midwest and Northeast, with lake-effect snow and record-low subzero temperatures forecasted for some areas. This Arctic blast is considered to be the most widespread and coldest air mass the country will endure all winter.
The intensifying conditions have led to a stark contrast in temperatures. For example, Dallas will experience a dramatic drop from low-60s to low-20s, nearly 40-45 degrees below the historical average for mid-January. Night temperatures could dip into the single digits, challenging long-standing record lows. This pattern is repeated throughout the region, with near subzero readings possible as far south as Amarillo, Texas, and the Oklahoma City area.
As the Arctic onslaught continues, it poses significant challenges to infrastructure, energy demands, and public safety. The severity and breadth of this cold wave underscore the need for preparedness and caution during such extreme weather events.