Current U.S. weather conditions: Severe Winter Weather Continues to Impact Much of the United States with Dangerous Conditions.
Current United States weather Dangerous Condition: As of January 20, the National Weather Service (NWS) predicts that the winter storms and extreme cold affecting a significant portion of the United States will continue into the upcoming weekend. Frigid temperatures are expected to persist across two-thirds of the country, accompanied by snow, freezing rain, and heavy showers. CBS News has reported a total of 83 confirmed weather-related fatalities in the U.S. over the past week due to these harsh conditions.
CBS reported that severe weather has claimed the lives of 19 people in Tennessee and an additional 16 in Oregon. Among these, three individuals reportedly died from apparent electrocution when a power line fell onto the vehicle they were traveling in on Wednesday.
Additional fatalities were reported in at least eight other states, including Illinois, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Washington, Kentucky, New York, and New Jersey, according to CBS.
Over the past week, the Pacific Northwest and parts of the South have experienced severe winter weather, leading to increased demand for natural gas for heating and power generation in homes and businesses. This trend is expected to persist through the weekend, with hard-freeze warnings issued for a significant portion of the Gulf Region. The warnings extend from eastern Texas and Louisiana through much of Mississippi, Alabama, and parts of Florida and Georgia. Saturday night in Mississippi is forecasted to have wind-chill factors as low as zero degrees Fahrenheit.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings of a new cold air mass forming over the central part of the country, set to bring temperatures 20 to 30 degrees below average. This cold snap is expected to extend from the High Plains to the Ohio and Tennessee valleys by Monday evening.
Snowfall is anticipated downwind of the Great Lakes, as well as over sections of the central Appalachians and the Northeast through Sunday evening. Winter weather advisories are in effect for a considerable part of the Pacific Northwest, where another round of freezing rain and showers is anticipated. In the Sierra Nevada mountains, snowfall is expected, while lower elevations of northern California may experience heavy rains with a potential for flash flooding.
The NWS further predicts that the downpours might extend into Southern California on Monday, posing additional weather challenges for the region.
As this new cold air mass settles in, residents in affected areas are urged to take necessary precautions due to the unusually low temperatures. The potential for snowfall and freezing rain adds an extra layer of concern, particularly for regions not accustomed to such winter weather.
The Great Lakes region, central Appalachians, and the Northeast should brace for winter conditions, including snow-covered roads and reduced visibility. The Pacific Northwest, already grappling with winter weather advisories, faces the additional challenge of freezing rain, making travel hazardous and potentially causing power outages.
In California, the risk of flash flooding in lower elevations is a serious concern, and residents are advised to stay informed about local weather updates and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety.
The evolving weather situation underscores the importance of staying vigilant and prepared during the winter months, especially in areas where extreme cold and various forms of precipitation can create challenging conditions. Authorities and emergency services are closely monitoring the situation and providing updates to help communities navigate through the impact of this winter weather pattern.
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