As the mid-Atlantic states confront a powerful winter storm, significant snowfall and ice are expected, leading to potential disruptions across the region. This severe weather has prompted Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin to declare a state of emergency, reinforcing the state's readiness to support local efforts in managing the storm's impact on Tuesday.
The National Weather Service forecasts travel hazards from Tuesday through early Wednesday, notably affecting Virginia and West Virginia. In response, schools and government offices in Virginia were closed to ensure public safety as freezing temperatures and wintry conditions intensified.
The storm is predicted to bring up to 10 inches of snow in northern and central Virginia and parts of eastern West Virginia. Moreover, substantial ice formations in regions like the Roanoke Valley could potentially lead to power outages and tree damage.
Think winter's over? See again! quipped the weather service's office in Blacksburg, Virginia, via social media, highlighting the unexpected late-season severity. Appalachian Power, servicing areas across Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee, has proactively enlisted 700 extra workers from adjacent utilities to support efforts in addressing storm-induced issues.
In East Tennessee, authorities cautioned about rising flood risks throughout the week, with rainfall potentially peaking at 8 inches by Sunday. To manage this, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is implementing strategies such as reducing lake levels and emptying reservoirs to mitigate flood threats.
Meanwhile, the National Park Service has shut down portions of the George Washington Memorial Parkway in northern Virginia, a precautionary measure to prevent common winter storm challenges like vehicle abandonment on this scenic yet narrow route.
Winter storm warnings are in effect from Kentucky to southern New Jersey, while a flood watch spans regions in Kentucky, Tennessee, southwest Virginia, and northern Georgia. Predictions indicate a shift from snow and ice to rain as temperatures rise on Wednesday.
Elsewhere, another storm system is expected to bring heavy snow from Kansas and Missouri to the Great Lakes on Wednesday, as a bitter Arctic air mass engulfs areas from Oregon to the Great Lakes. This harsh cold spell tragically claimed the lives of two children under age ten found in a van in Detroit, underscoring the extreme risks these conditions pose.
In response to the cold front affecting Portland, Oregon, officials have prepared three severe weather shelters with over 230 beds, enhancing outreach efforts for the city's vulnerable homeless population. These shelters will offer warm clothing, blankets, and hand warmers to approximately 4,000 people living outdoors in the metro area.
Portland is no stranger to the potential dangers of severe winter weather despite its usual rainy climate. Historical data has shown that unexpected cold snaps with snow and ice can lead to fatalities, as witnessed last year when hypothermia and falling trees or utility poles accounted for multiple deaths.
Montana's Butte also braces for the winter challenge, with temperatures forecasted to plummet to a chilling minus 33 degrees. The local community, led by the Butte Rescue Mission, is mobilizing resources to distribute essential cold-weather gear to those in need, emphasizing the life-saving importance of these efforts.
This comprehensive preparedness across states showcases the proactive measures communities are taking to safeguard against severe weather's potential hazards, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and resourcefulness during such unpredictable climatic events.