Winter Storm Batters Northeast; Pacific Northwest Awaits Further Rainfall

A severe winter storm disrupted the weekend, causing temperatures to drop significantly below zero in the Midwest and layering heavy snow across the Northeast on Sunday. This resulted in numerous airport delays and hazardous road conditions. Meanwhile, the Pacific Northwest prepared for additional rainfall following a period of intense flooding and landslides.

Currently, about 63 million people across the United States are experiencing cold weather warnings, with an additional 11 million facing freeze alerts. These unusually low temperatures are predominantly affecting the Gulf Coast states.

Beginning on Saturday, the storm marked the season's first notable snowfall in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area, depositing several inches of snow. Parts of New England saw light snowfall, with the storm predicted to diminish by Sunday night. However, it will usher in harsh cold, as overnight wind chills are expected to dive below zero Fahrenheit.

Extreme Cold Threatens the East Coast

As icy air moves from the Great Lakes towards the East Coast, forecasters are warning of potentially dangerous low temperatures that could reach unprecedented lows.

In New Jersey, crews worked tirelessly to clear and treat roads while the state's Department of Transportation urged residents to refrain from non-essential travel. In New York City, sanitation teams operated overnight to remove snow from routes and cycling lanes. In Pennsylvania, highway speed limits were temporarily reduced to enhance safety.

Air Travel Impacted by Severe Weather

FlightAware, a flight tracking service, reported over 1,000 flight delays and more than a hundred cancellations at various US airports due to the adverse weather conditions.

A chill originating from Canada spread southward, chilling many parts of the northern US. Sunday morning was reported to be the coldest so far this season according to the National Weather Service in Chanhassen. The Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport recorded a temperature of -10 degrees Fahrenheit, with surrounding areas experiencing wind chills ranging from -20 to -25 degrees.

Pacific Northwest Prepares for More Rain

Forecasts for the Pacific Northwest indicate more rain and strong winds are anticipated late Sunday, an added burden to an area already overwhelmed by previous flooding that forced thousands to evacuate.