Winter Storms
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 caused the avalanche spotted by drivers in Colorado?
The avalanche spotted by drivers along I70 in Frisco, Colorado on Monday was fueled by the coldest air of the season. This dramatic winter event occurred as part of an intense winter storm affecting 25 states across the country, bringing blizzard conditions and severe cold nationwide. The harsh weather system created hazardous conditions throughout the heartland, resulting in road closures and safety alerts affecting millions of Americans. In mountainous regions, snowfall exceeded two feet, creating the perfect conditions for avalanches like the one witnessed along the interstate.
Watch clip answer (00:07m)What were the weather conditions like when the Delta Airlines plane crashed at Toronto Pearson International Airport?
The weather conditions were severe at the time of the crash, with winds of about 40 miles per hour, a minus 2 degree wind chill, and actively blowing snow. Visibility was limited as snow continued to blow through the air. The area had experienced more snow between Thursday and Sunday than they saw all of last year, creating challenging conditions for aircraft operations. These harsh winter weather conditions are being examined as a potential contributing factor to the crash.
Watch clip answer (01:17m)What winter weather challenges are affecting southern states like Texas?
Southern states are experiencing severe winter conditions with snow and ice affecting regions from Texas to Mississippi. Winter storm warnings have been extended to Dallas, Shreveport, and Starkville, with additional advisories stretching from Wichita to Kansas City through southern Missouri, affecting approximately 60 million people. Residents are advised to take precautions against the extreme cold pushing through South Texas, including keeping faucets dripping to prevent pipes from freezing. This significant winter weather event combines dangerous frigid temperatures with snow and ice, creating hazardous conditions across multiple states.
Watch clip answer (00:34m)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)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)