Winter storms are likely to hit the Eastern United States over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, which can drop the temperature to freezing limits in many regions.
America to face unpredictable weather over the weekend
On Friday, a strong storm erupted across the upper Midwest region.
Many forecasters predicted this could result in a power outage, dangerous travel conditions, and unfavorable supply chain strains. All that can further worsen the commodities shortage ranging from the Southern to Eastern Coasts.
Thus sprawling weather conditions have already caused different states to warn their residents regarding the imminent danger. The areas most vulnerable to the threat include regions from North Dakota to North Mississippi and across to North Carolina and New York.
However, ambiguity is at an all-time high as the amount of snow, ice, and rain that can come with the predicted storm in the Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic region is not clear.
60M Americans in path of massive winter storm; snow and ice to cause major travel disruptions – USA TODAY https://t.co/6RbmlegWUH via @GoogleNews
— Mynameis…Miro (@zg4ever) January 14, 2022
AccuWeather’s chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter indicated this would harm many companies which are trying hard these days to catch up amid the supply chain shortages.
According to Porter, many states, including North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia, can get as much snow as 12 to 18 inches.
This rate can go up to one inch of snow per hour, to reduce travel speed. Along the coast, the speed of winds can go as high as 70 miles per hour, Porter warned.
Porter further indicated even when snow is a threat, an ice storm remains an even bigger warning for both Carolinas. This will be the recipe for tree damages and power outages in the states.
Emergencies declared in various US areas
Ralph Northam, Virginia’s outgoing governor, declared a state of emergency, noting the upcoming storms can result in downed trees, electric outages, and poor travel conditions.
In southern states, meteorologists are majorly concerned with ice and believe Georgians and Carolinians can face merciless freezing precipitation starting on Saturday night.
This Unusual Winter Storm Will Bring BIG TIME Ice, Snow, and Hurricane F… https://t.co/UgKFqE0akJ via @YouTube @ryanhallyall #Weather #winterstorm #winter #snow #ice #wind #US #USA
— Anders Strömgren Ⓟ 🇸🇪 (@AndersStromgren) January 14, 2022
Airports and other travel departments are also likely to face the consequences of the deteriorating weather. A senior forecaster in the National Weather Service, David Roth, claimed more predictions would come once the situation further evolves.
He stated uncertainty is stronger than ever these days when authorities have to prepare for rain, sleet, and snow at the same time.
The Weather Service said on Twitter the upcoming snow will create slippery roads with reduced visibility, which would make travel difficult.
According to the Weather Service, the storm will move southeast towards Iowa, where many areas can get as much as six to ten inches of snow.
The Federal Aviation Administration warned travelers to double-check their airlines for any storm-related delays or cancellations. This comes at a time when airlines are also issuing similar warnings.
Ranging from Southwest Airlines to American Airlines to Delta, all of them have announced passengers can face travel delays.
