Northeast Braces for Heavy Snowfall
A fast-moving winter storm is set to sweep across the US Northeast on Sunday, bringing significant snowfall and frigid wind chills that will persist into the workweek. The storm is expected to disrupt travel and daily activities in major cities, including New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital, Washington, could see up to 4 inches (10.2 cm) of snow, just in time for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, which has already been moved indoors due to the harsh forecast. New York City and Philadelphia are expected to receive 4–6 inches, while Boston could see more than 6 inches, with areas further inland possibly getting up to 8 inches, according to Marc Chenard of the US Weather Prediction Center.
Freezing Wind Chills Follow the Storm
After the storm moves through, strong winds on Monday will cause temperatures to plummet further. In Washington, conditions could feel as cold as 10°F (-12.2°C).
Air Travel Disrupted Across the Region
The winter storm has already wreaked havoc on air travel, with hundreds of flights canceled on Sunday. Major disruptions were reported at Newark, John F. Kennedy, and LaGuardia airports in New York, as well as Washington’s two main airports.
Flights departing for Boston and Washington, D.C., were among those canceled, and arriving flights faced significant delays. At JFK Airport, inbound flights experienced delays of up to 2.5 hours, according to NYC Emergency Management.
Texas Faces Rare Winter Weather
Meanwhile, Texas is bracing for its own winter blast, with freezing temperatures and snow expected across the southeast region of the state. A winter storm warning has been issued from 6 p.m. Monday for a 24-hour period. The cold snap may disrupt operations at oil refineries and chemical plants along the US Gulf Coast.
The George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport in Houston have announced they will suspend operations starting midnight Tuesday, January 21. Schools across the city, the fourth largest in the US, will remain closed through Wednesday due to hazardous weather conditions.
Santa Ana Winds Add to Challenges in California
In Southern California, Santa Ana winds are forecast to intensify, with gusts reaching 60 mph (96.6 km/h) in some areas. These winds pose additional risks for wildfire-prone regions, prompting red-flag warnings throughout the area, according to the Weather Prediction Center.
Nationwide Response to Extreme Weather
As the Arctic blast impacts various parts of the country, officials are urging residents to prepare for travel disruptions, protect against the cold, and stay safe during the extreme weather conditions.
