Meteorology
How severe are the wind chills expected to be during this winter storm?
According to Faith Abube, ABC News Correspondent, wind chills are expected to feel like 20 degrees below zero during this significant winter storm. This dangerous cold is part of a larger weather system affecting over 100 million Americans across 25 states, stretching from Montana to Texas. The extreme cold is particularly severe in Chicago, where temperatures could feel as low as 21 degrees below zero. These hazardous conditions, combined with snow and ice accumulation, have prompted officials to urge drivers to stay off roads and take necessary precautions as the winter storm continues to advance eastward.
Watch clip answer (00:07m)What areas are affected by the massive winter storm and what are the expected impacts?
The massive winter storm is affecting areas from Oklahoma City to Virginia Beach, with winter storm warnings in place across multiple states. The Ozarks have already received 4-5 inches of snow, and the storm is moving east along I-40, reaching Nashville in the early morning hours, creating difficult commuting conditions. As it progresses eastward, Norfolk and Virginia Beach will experience problems with sleet and freezing rain. Areas south of there along I-95 will face hazardous conditions. The storm brings record cold temperatures from Baton Rouge to Omaha, affecting approximately 100 million Americans across 25 states.
Watch clip answer (00:39m)What is the path and timeline of the winter storm affecting millions of Americans?
The winter storm is moving from Oklahoma City to Virginia Beach with warnings posted along this route. After dropping 4-5 inches in northeastern Oklahoma and Arkansas, the storm will track along I-40 tonight, reaching Nashville in the early morning hours. By afternoon, it will blast eastward toward Norfolk and Virginia Beach, with areas north and east of Raleigh experiencing sleet and freezing rain problems. The storm brings challenging travel conditions, particularly along I-95. While most of the storm's activity will be gone by Thursday, it will leave behind record cold temperatures affecting a wide area from Baton Rouge up to Omaha.
Watch clip answer (00:35m)How is the winter storm impacting the United States and what areas are affected?
A massive winter storm is currently affecting over 100 million Americans across multiple regions. The system is bringing freezing rain to Oklahoma City while the Rockies are expected to receive up to two feet of snow. The severe weather is creating dangerous road conditions throughout affected areas. The storm is moving across the Midwest toward the East Coast, bringing brutal cold temperatures and record-low wind chills. Meteorologist Ginger Zee is providing crucial timing and forecasting information to help viewers stay informed about this widespread and severe winter weather event.
Watch clip answer (00:06m)What areas have been affected by flooding due to the coastal storm?
The coastal storm has brought devastating conditions to several regions, with localized flooding specifically affecting Tennessee and Kentucky earlier in the week. These areas have experienced significant impacts, leading to storm warnings being issued throughout all coastal regions affected by this weather system. Meteorologist Jessica Burch indicates they will continue monitoring the storm as it moves offshore by Thursday, suggesting ongoing concerns for communities in these flood-affected states.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)What severe weather conditions are currently affecting the southern United States?
The southern United States is currently experiencing extreme cold warnings and watches issued by the National Weather Service, particularly affecting the Texas-Mexico border region. This polar air mass has created hazardous conditions throughout the area. Simultaneously, severe weather is sweeping across the southern states with significant moisture moving toward the Carolinas. This dual threat of extreme cold and moisture-laden storm systems is creating challenging conditions, potentially leading to hazardous travel and localized flooding in affected communities.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)