All articles tagged with #freezing temperatures
Severe snow, ice, and freezing temperatures across Europe have caused six deaths, widespread travel disruptions, and property damage, with notable incidents in France, Bosnia, the Netherlands, Britain, Italy, and Balkan countries.
A 4Warn Weather Alert has been issued for Metro Detroit from Thursday night to Friday morning due to expected rain turning to snow and a sharp drop in temperatures, which could cause icy road conditions and hazardous travel. The forecast includes scattered showers, strong winds, a potential flash freeze, and light snow accumulation, emphasizing caution for commuters.
An Arctic cold front is expected to hit the US, bringing the most unusual cold snap since the 1800s, affecting 155 million people with freezing conditions from the Plains to the East Coast.
Tens of millions of people in the eastern U.S. are facing winterlike temperatures as cold air from Canada brings freezing conditions, with a risk of snow squalls and lake-effect snow in the Great Lakes and Northeast. More than 25 million people in the South and Southeast are urged to protect plants and crops as temperatures plunge below freezing, while the Midwest and Northeast also experience below-average temperatures. Despite the cold snap, temperatures are expected to gradually warm up as we move into the middle of the week.
Videos of frozen alligators, dubbed "gatorcicles," have gone viral in South Carolina as temperatures dropped, showing the reptiles with only their snouts protruding from frozen ponds. The alligators are not dead but are using an evolutionary technique called brumation to survive the cold weather, slowing down their metabolic rate and becoming lethargic. This phenomenon is not limited to South Carolina, as similar sightings have been reported in Texas following a drop in temperatures.
Dangerous arctic weather in the U.S. has led to a surge in weather-related deaths across 12 states, with at least 55 reported as of Saturday. The National Weather Service has warned of another Arctic blast bringing freezing temperatures and dangerous wind chills to several regions, with freeze alerts issued across the South. Thousands have been without power in Oregon, and deaths have been reported in Tennessee, Oregon, Washington, Kentucky, Louisiana, Illinois, Mississippi, New York, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and New Hampshire. Residents are urged to stay at home and off the roads until conditions improve, with a potential thaw not expected until next week.
Northwest Indiana experienced a record-breaking snowstorm, with LaPorte County receiving over 2 feet of snow, causing white-out conditions and traffic disruptions near the Indiana-Michigan state line. Meanwhile, Chicago saw freezing temperatures and snow showers, with wind chills making it feel even colder. The snowfall is expected to continue in northwest Indiana, while Chicago may see a gradual warm-up in temperatures by Monday.
Amtrak has suspended more than a dozen trains along the Northeast Corridor due to freezing temperatures, affecting commuters in the New York region and other areas. Customers with tickets for canceled trains can transfer their rides to another date or time without additional charges. While train travel is disrupted, planes, subways, and buses in New York City are operating normally, and the airtrain to JFK airport has been restored to service.
The Portland Water Bureau is responding to a high volume of water main breaks as temperatures rise above freezing, advising customers on steps to protect their pipes and property, including leaving cabinets open, keeping faucets dripping, and covering outdoor faucets. They also recommend knowing the location of the emergency water shut-off valve and storing emergency water. Residents experiencing a main break should immediately close the water shut-off valve and turn off the water heater, and can call a 24-hour emergency dispatch line for assistance. It's important to be aware of whose responsibility it is to repair a broken main, as it depends on the location, and resources for making the repair can be found on the City of Portland’s website.
An ice storm in Portland, Oregon, led to a power line falling on a car, killing three people and injuring a baby. The storm caused treacherous road conditions and power outages, with warnings of icy roads and new power outages. The freezing temperatures and strong winds resulted in at least seven deaths, including fatalities from fallen trees and hypothermia. Schools and government buildings closed, flights were canceled or delayed, and emergency shelters saw high demand, prompting officials to call for volunteers.
Multnomah County has reported two new suspected deaths from hypothermia, bringing the total number of deaths to nine during the recent freezing temperatures, high winds, and snow. The deaths occurred in Northeast and Southeast Portland, with the victims found in different neighborhoods within the city.
Schools in West Michigan have announced closures for Wednesday due to ongoing lake effect snow and freezing temperatures, with an additional inch or two of snow expected to fall by Wednesday morning and another couple of inches throughout the day, accompanied by breezy conditions and highs in the teens.
Three to five inches of snow and freezing temperatures may lead to widespread school delays and closures in the D.C. area on Wednesday, with untreated roads expected to freeze solid. Federal government operating procedures may also be affected. While larger counties north and west of the Beltway are likely to experience a second snow day, school systems inside the Beltway and to the south and east may see delays. The Office of Personnel Management may offer federal workers unscheduled leave or telework options, with the possibility of a delayed opening.
MLGW and TVA have lifted the voluntary request for energy conservation during freezing temperatures, citing the good performance of their systems. MLGW CEO Doug McGowen noted a record high demand across the TVA system but stated that conservation methods across the Tennessee Valley worked. Customers are still advised to drip their faucets and protect their pipes during freezing temperatures.
The Tennessee Valley Authority is urging customers to voluntarily curtail their energy use as freezing temperatures and high electric demand persist, with officials warning of potential record power demand. Customers are asked to reduce consumption by adjusting thermostats, minimizing appliance usage, and sealing airway leaks, following previous mandatory rolling blackouts in some areas due to increased energy demand during freezing temperatures in 2022.