Snow, Record-Breaking Cold Impacts Great Lakes & Northeast

A low pressure system from south-central Canada will bring frigid temperatures, high winds, and snow to a large portion of the eastern U.S. this weekend.

Winter is keeping a stranglehold over parts of the eastern U.S. as a low pressure system tracks across the Northeast. Two to four inches of snow has already blanketed areas from Richmond, Va., to Detroit. This snow will continue to make its way across the Northeast.

The National Weather Service has issued Winter Weather Advisories & Winter Storm Warnings along the Appalachian Mountains and parts of the New England coastline. Anywhere from 1 to 4 inches may accumulate across the Northeast and Appalachians, but up to 8 inches will be possible just north of Boston into southeastern New Hampshire. 

In addition, it will become very windy, with 15 to 35 mph sustained winds and 50 to 60 mph wind gusts during the daytime. Wind Advisories & High Wind Warnings have been issued for the whole Mid-Atlantic region, far southern New England, the southern and central Appalachians, portions of the Carolinas and far eastern and northern Georgia.

With the winds in mind, the most notable parameter for this event will be the extreme cold that is taking over. Wind chills 20 to 35 degrees below will be felt this morning and lasting through the weekend. Extreme Cold Watches, Warnings, & Cold Advisories have been issued from Michigan to the Ohio Valley and Appalachians into the Carolinas, New England and the Mid-Atlantic. The combination of high winds and very low temperatures will produce life-threatening wind chills.

Without factoring in wind, temperatures will still be very cold, so cold in fact, many low-maximum records and low temperatures could be broken this weekend.

It cannot be understated how dangerous the cold will be, as frostbite can set in on exposed skin in 30 minutes or less. If you have to venture outside, dress in layers, being sure to cover up any exposed skin. Also, you can prevent water pipes from freezing by wrapping them or allowing them to drip slowly throughout the day.

Be sure to keep up with the latest watches and warnings from your local weather sources or by downloading the WeatherBug app. Stay warm!