Winter storm warnings and weather advisories were in place for 23 states from the National Weather Service (NWS) as of early Monday, as cold temperatures were expected across much of the central and eastern U.S.
Why It Matters
Challenging driving conditions could affect travel as people return to work following the holiday period.
Certain vulnerable populations, such as young infants and senior citizens, face increased health risks from the dangers associated with freezing temperatures.
What To Know
At the time of writing, states with winter storm warnings in place included Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware.
States under winter weather advisories included Alaska, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Arkansas, Tennessee, Montana, New York, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
Whilst the amount of snow expected to fall varied from state to state, in Alaska's Thompson Pass, the NWS said "heavy" mixed precipitation was expected, with up to 3 feet of snow accumulation and up to two-10ths of an inch of ice accumulation anticipated.
The service said travel could be "extremely hazardous" and that visibility would be significantly reduced within heavy snow.
The NWS says a winter storm warning means that significant amounts of snow, ice, and sleet will make travel "very hazardous."
In Idaho, up to 10 inches was possible in the Bear River Range area, with the NWS urging drivers to plan for slippery road conditions.
The NWS said hazardous road conditions could affect Monday morning commutes, with travel "very difficult" in some parts of the country.
What People Are Saying
NWS Weather Prediction Center on X, formerly Twitter: "Following the ongoing winter storm, cold temperatures are expected across much of the central and eastern United States this week.
"Morning temperatures dipping into the single digits and below zero are forecast for many regions with a fresh snowpack. Be sure to stay warm!"
Meteorologist Everett Lau wrote on X on Sunday: "Most of our Indiana counties have now declared travel watches, meaning only essential travel is recommended.
"IDOT [Illinois Department of Transportation] is reporting its roadways in Illinois are covered in ice/snow at this time."
What Happens Next
The Arctic polar vortex has been forecast to push frigid winds across much of the U.S. in the coming weeks.
Below-average temperatures were expected across the eastern half of the country.
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