TECHNOLOGY
Flight Delays, Cancellations Likely As Snowstorm Moves East
A snowstorm is set to hit the mid-Atlantic and Carolinas midweek, causing snow, ice, and travel disruptions. This live blog is now closed.
A significant cross-country snowstorm is expected to reach the mid-Atlantic by midweek, bringing heavy snowfall, icy conditions, and possible power outages. AccuWeather meteorologists warn that southeastern Virginia, Maryland, and parts of the Carolinas will see the most severe weather.
What to know:
- Southeastern Virginia and Maryland could see up to 25 inches of snow.
- Norfolk, Richmond, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem are expected to be hit hard.
- Interstates 64, 85 and 95 may close as crews struggle to keep up with snow.
- Airline delays and cancellations are likely to start on Wednesday.
- Icy conditions and power outages are forecast for parts of North and South Carolina.
- Light snow may reach the Ohio Valley, New England and northern mid-Atlantic regions.
WATCH: Puppy enjoys the snow following a storm
No thunderstorms expected today
The National Weather Service's Day 2 Convective Outlook, issued on February 19, 2025, forecasts no thunderstorms for Thursday, February 20. An upper low will move east across the Ohio Valley, with a strong upper jet affecting the Southeast. As this trough exits the East Coast early Friday, a weaker wave will advance from the Great Basin into the Four Corners region. High pressure will dominate the central and eastern U.S., bringing dry air and strong offshore flow along the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts. While there is some weak instability over southern Florida, it will quickly dissipate as dry air spreads, preventing any thunderstorms.California residents urged to close windows over air quality
Extreme cold brings risk of frostbite, hypothermia, and crop damage
Every winter, cold air sweeps across the United States, affecting millions. The combination of arctic air and brisk winds creates dangerously low wind chill values, which can lead to frostbite or hypothermia in minutes. Unprotected skin, especially on extremities like hands and feet, is most vulnerable. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can generate, and exposure to extreme cold can be deadly if precautions aren't taken. The cold also affects agriculture, with late spring or fall cold air outbreaks damaging crops, flowers, and plants. A freeze, when temperatures drop below 32°F, can destroy produce during the growing season. Frost, which forms on clear nights, can occur even when air temperatures are in the mid-30s, and different plants have varying cold tolerance.Texans brace for extreme cold with winter storm and power concerns
NWS warns to prepare for power outages during severe weather
The National Weather Service in Mobile is advising residents to prepare for power outages during severe weather events. With outages likely, essential services like ATMs and card readers may be unavailable. To stay prepared, the NWS recommends including extra cash in your emergency kit. Proper planning ensures that your family stays safe and ready for any disruptions caused by severe weather.Driver's response to wheel detaching during Toronto snowstorm goes viral
A video capturing a driver retrieving a runaway tire on a Toronto highway during a snowstorm has gone viral, sparking both admiration and concern for the driver's well-being. The clip, posted by user @hannabananann on February 17, has amassed over 785,000 views. The aerial footage shows vehicles navigating a snow-covered highway as a driver carefully rolls what appears to be a lost tire across the road. The individual moves cautiously amid passing cars, including what appears to be a police vehicle, before reaching their truck and placing the tire in the back. The video serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by drivers in harsh winter conditions and highlights the importance of proper vehicle maintenance and roadside assistance when navigating snow-covered highways. Read the full story by Soo Kim on Newsweek.Roof of copper wire plant collapses under heavy snow in New York
A copper wire plant in Upstate New York experienced a roof collapse on Tuesday due to the weight of heavy snow. Fortunately, all employees were safely evacuated before the incident after they heard the ceiling begin to crack.Florida freeze map shows counties set to be hit hardest
Numerous counties in Florida can expect bitterly cold temperatures on Thursday. Freeze watches and cold weather advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for parts of the Florida Panhandle, as well as northern and northeastern Florida. The NWS warned that sub-freezing temperatures as low as the middle 20s are possible on Thursday evening, which will pose a risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Freezing temperatures may present health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants, older adults and the homeless. The NWS has also warned that freezing conditions present a risk to pets, sensitive vegetation, and could cause pipes to burst. Read the full story by Joe Edwards on Newsweek.Flights canceled and delayed at Nashville airport due to snow
Nashville International Airport (BNA) experienced numerous flight cancellations and delays on Wednesday as Middle Tennessee remained under a Code Red Weather alert for snow. There have been 14 flight cancelations and 7 delays this morning so far. Travelers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.Dangerous cold stretches to central Texas, wind chills below zero
The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls has issued a warning about dangerous wind chills affecting a wide stretch of the country. This morning, wind chills below zero extend as far south as central Texas, creating hazardous conditions. While relief is in sight, with temperatures expected to warm up locally this weekend, residents are advised to stay bundled up and cautious as they navigate the cold in the meantime.Cold records break across the Midwest as winter storm hits
Do's and don'ts for staying safe in extreme cold
Staying safe in freezing temperatures requires taking the right precautions. Here are a few key tips from The Weather Channel: Don'ts:- Avoid alcohol and smoking, as both can increase cold sensitivity.
- Don't underestimate how wind chill lowers "feels like" temperatures.
- Never wear wet clothes or too-tight clothing that can cut off circulation.
- Skip glovesâmittens offer better cold protection.
- Don't forget to carry a warm blanket and spare clothes in your car.
- Stay hydrated and eat carbohydrate-rich foods.
- Choose wind- and water-proof outer layers, and warm inner layers.
- Wear extra socks and waterproof shoes to keep feet dry.
- Protect your head, ears, and neck to reduce heat loss.
Snowstorm stalls traffic on I-44 in Missouri as bitter cold lingers
Heavy snow and bitter cold created chaos on I-44 westbound in Central Missouri on Tuesday, leaving traffic at a standstill. Trucks struggled for traction as snow continued to fall, creating nightmarish conditions for drivers.Winter weather warnings in 28 states as 14 inches of snow to hit
Winter weather-related warnings had been issued for 28 states from the National Weather Service (NWS) on Wednesday morning, with up to 14 inches of snow expected to fall in some parts of the U.S. Freezing temperatures can pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants and older adults. Additionally, winter storms may cause power outages and snow can obstruct travel, leading to dangerous driving conditions. The U.S. has already faced multiple winter storms this season. As of early Wednesday, winter storm warnings, meaning "a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent," had been issued in Maryland, Virginia, Alaska, North Carolina, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and isolated parts of Oregon and Wyoming. Areas affected included parts of central and northeastern Arkansas, southeastern Missouri, southern Illinois, West Virginia and Indiana, western and northwestern Tennessee, eastern Maryland, eastern and northeastern North Carolina, and parts of central and southwestern Virginia. Several states had winter weather advisories in place, including parts of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Delaware, Texas, Oklahoma, Montana, Idaho, New York, Michigan, Colorado and Washington. Read the full story by Joe Edwards on Newsweek.Extreme cold warnings issued to 16 states
- Montana
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Nebraska
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Colorado
- Oklahoma
- Arkansas
- Texas
- Tennessee
- Mississippi
- New Mexico
- Missouri
