The most shocking images of the destruction caused by the winter storm in the USA 1:35
(CNN) — A developing “bomb cyclone” has sent warnings from Washington state to Maryland, according to the National Weather Service, affecting more than 50 million people, with that number expected to rise in the coming days.
As a result, for millions of Americans across much of the country, the holiday week is beginning with unrelenting sub-zero temperatures, made even harsher by heavy snowfall expected in several Central and Northwest states Tuesday and Wednesday.
“Bomb cyclone” is a term used by a meteorologist to describe a rapidly intensifying storm. More specifically, it’s a drop of 24 millibars (the term used to measure atmospheric pressure) in 24 hours. They usually occur during wintry northeast winds, but in this case they are expected to occur on the flats due to the difference in extreme temperatures between the warm, humid air before the storm and the extreme arctic air masses inflowing from Canada.
On Tuesday, the sprawling weather system brought dangerously cold temperatures and snow to Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and most of Minnesota, where maximum temperatures will remain below freezing, according to National Weather Service forecasters.
“In addition to brutally cold temperatures, dangerous wind chill values of 35 to 55 degrees below zero are possible in these areas by the end of the week,” said the Weather Prediction Center on Monday.
Blizzard conditions could force the closure of O’Hare Airport during the storm’s peak, likely resulting in the cancellation of hundreds of flights in Chicago alone.
Wind chill advisories are in place for Sioux, South Dakota and Fargo, North Dakota Tuesday as the threat of freezing weather begins. Wind chill, which indicates how the wind feels, is up to 40 degrees below zero.
“Starting tonight, the worst arctic air mass will hit our area bringing dangerous temperatures and wind chills. Roads will remain slippery and additional snow cover is expected Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning,” the city’s office said Monday night weather service in Glasgow, Montana.
Snow has already begun to fall in Seattle, which is under a winter storm warning Tuesday. The storm will move east over parts of Idaho Tuesday morning and then move across northern and central Montana in the afternoon.
As the storm moves east this week it could make holiday travel difficult, if not dangerous, in many places, so forecasters are urging people to be prepared to make changes.
In Minnesota, the Twin Cities Weather Service implored residents to beware of the “potentially dangerous weather week,” with the worst effects hitting the Midwest beginning Wednesday.
“The bottom line is that travel will be very dangerous and life threatening later this week. So be ready to change your travel plans now,” the local weather service office said.
Many local governments in the affected areas have opened warming centers to help those in need.
What to expect in the Christmas week
Overall, most of the US is expected to experience unseasonably cold temperatures this week. In fact, more than 80% of the country, excluding Hawaii and Alaska, is expected to experience freezing temperatures.
Montana, Helena and Missoula are on a winter storm warning beginning Tuesday and Billings is under a wind chill warning through noon Friday.
The storm is also expected to strengthen as it nears the Midwest, where the greatest impact is expected. Snow begins to fall in the region on Wednesday and will continue for much of the Christmas weekend.
Several inches of fluffy snow is expected in parts of central Minnesota Wednesday, followed by strong winds creating the possibility of snowstorms. A blizzard is defined as a wind of at least 40 mph combined with falling or driving snow that reduces visibility to at least 1,500 feet or less for at least three hours.
“Gusts of 40 to 50 mph seem likely this Thursday. With snow present, blizzard conditions are highly likely throughout the region, even in areas not typically favored by storm conditions. White,” the weather service said.
Chicago is expected to be one of the hardest-hit cities, with a winter storm watch in place Thursday night through Friday afternoon. With likely snowstorm conditions, holiday travel could grind to a halt for many looking to celebrate with family and loved ones.
“Conditions will worsen rapidly late Thursday afternoon, with a growing likelihood of snowstorms Thursday night through Friday,” the Chicago Weather Service Office said.
Meanwhile, even Southern cities unaccustomed to wintry conditions will have a brittle taste of this holiday season, with Austin, Houston, Atlanta and even Orlando at risk of experiencing freezing temperatures by midweek.
In Texas, the National Meteorological Service reassured residents that this week’s unusually low temperatures are not expected to affect the state as severely as last year’s brutal winter storms, when millions of people lost power during a week of extreme weather events in February 2021.
However, water pipes are threatened with bursting, the weather service said. A wind chill watch for Amarillo, Texas will be in effect Wednesday night through Friday afternoon.
“Outdoor pipelines will be at risk from well-below freezing temperatures and winds later this week,” the weather service said fort worth. “Be sure to cover the pipes and let the faucets drip!”
CNN’s Robert Shackelford, Jennifer Gray and Michelle Watson contributed to this report.