Wind Chill
How is the severe winter weather affecting different parts of the United States?
The severe winter weather is wreaking havoc across multiple states with varying impacts. In Missouri, heavy wind and up to a foot of snow are blanketing the region, creating dangerous driving conditions that caused a truck to jackknife in Kansas City during the storm. In Minnesota, firefighters are battling extreme conditions with wind chills reaching 40 degrees below zero, which is affecting their equipment and lines. This brutal round of winter weather is part of a larger system sweeping across the country, bringing hazardous conditions to several regions.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)
NBC News
00:00 - 00:16
What weather challenges is Kentucky facing while recovering from floods?
Kentucky is confronting a severe winter storm amid ongoing recovery from historic flooding. The arctic blast is expanding across much of the Midwest, with Kentucky expecting up to 6 inches of snow while temperatures plunge into bone-chilling cold. This snowstorm represents a compounded threat for communities that have barely begun recovering from recent historic winter floods. As the reporter describes it, this is essentially 'a snowstorm in the middle of a natural disaster,' creating additional hardships for already struggling neighborhoods.
Watch clip answer (00:19m)NBC News
00:36 - 00:56
What happened in Detroit due to the water main break?
In Detroit, a severe water main break forced families out into the freezing cold. The incident occurred when a four-and-a-half-foot wide pipe burst, completely swamping an entire neighborhood amid dangerously low temperatures. With wind chills reaching 23 degrees below zero in nearby Chicago, the conditions were described as 'brutal' and 'icy.' This water main break is part of a larger weather crisis as an arctic blast expands across the country, bringing bone-chilling cold to many regions. Parts of the Midwest are now bracing for up to a foot of snow, further complicating recovery efforts for the affected communities.
Watch clip answer (00:27m)NBC News
00:17 - 00:45
What challenges is Kentucky facing with the winter storm?
Kentucky is dealing with a compound disaster situation. The state is bracing for up to 6 inches of snow while still recovering from historic winter flooding that pushed the Kentucky River into downtown Beattyville and other areas. Residents are caught in a difficult situation - cleaning up flood damage while simultaneously preparing for frigid temperatures and snowfall. This creates a dual challenge as communities have barely started recovery efforts from the floods when this new winter weather threat emerged. The timing of bone-chilling cold arriving amid ongoing flood cleanup efforts is particularly problematic for affected communities.
Watch clip answer (00:28m)
NBC News
00:36 - 01:05
How extensive is the winter storm affecting the United States?
The winter storm is affecting at least 20 states, stretching from Louisiana to southern Delaware as it moves eastward. The severe weather system has prompted snow and ice alerts across this extensive region, creating hazardous conditions throughout multiple states. Record cold temperatures are already being reported in many areas, compounding the dangers posed by the winter storm. The situation is serious enough that states like North Carolina have declared states of emergency to address the impacts of this significant winter weather event.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)
ABC News
00:00 - 00:10
What is the current situation with storms affecting parts of America?
A very active storm system is currently affecting millions, coming right after another major storm earlier in the week. As meteorologist Jessica Burch notes, it's essentially 'one mess on top of the other,' creating compounding challenges for affected communities. In the coming days, officials will be able to assess the full extent of the damage from these back-to-back severe weather events. The situation has left many people exhausted as they try to help one another cope with the aftermath of these consecutive storms.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)
CBS News
04:53 - 05:06