Winter Storm Warnings Issued in 8 States Expecting Hazardous Weather Conditions
The National Weather Service (NWS) has been on overdrive over the past few weeks as hazardous weather takes its toll on the U.S. On Saturday, Dec. 13, the NWS issued new winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories on top of the warnings and advisories already across the country.
All week, areas of the U.S. have been getting hit with multiple rounds of snow, with the NWS issuing winter weather warnings and winter weather advisories for 19 states throughout the United States. Some areas of the U.S., such as Alaska, are expecting as much as 30 inches of snow, while others are bracing for dangerously cold temperatures.
While the snow and ice are often seen as the most hazardous kind of weather, due to their impact on travel, the bitter cold is also a safety concern. "Avoid the risk of frostbite and hypothermia by dressing in layers, covering exposed skin, and limiting time outdoors," the NWS stated in a post on X. They also urged anyone dealing with either condition to get medical attention right away.
New Winter Weather Warnings for 8 States
On Saturday, Dec. 13, the NWS announced cold weather warnings in eight states, including North Dakota, West Virginia, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio.
Areas of West Virginia, Virginia and North Dakota are under extreme cold warnings as Arctic air moves in through early next week. Parts of South Carolina and North Carolina are under extreme cold watches, and areas of northern Ohio, central Pennsylvania and western New York have been issued freezing fog advisories.
So, why is it so cold? The U.S. is experiencing a polar vortex, bringing some of the lowest temperatures of the winter season, and it's widespread enough to impact millions of Americans in multiple states. A polar vortex is a "large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth's poles," the NWS explains. "It always exists near the poles, but weakens in summer and strengthens in winter."
Even Southern Areas Will Get Hit
From late Saturday into Sunday, December 14, the cold weather is expected to go into much more of the U.S., including the Northern and Central Plains, Upper and Middle Mississippi Valleys.
Then, on Sunday, it will go into the Midwest, Lower Mississippi Valley, Southern Plains and East Coast, the NWS said. Forecasters are expecting highs will be around 20 to 30 degrees below average in many of these areas.