Arctic blast surges across US as snowstorm targets Mid-Atlantic, Northeast

Winter is making its ugly presence felt Sunday coast-to-coast, as a potent arctic blast roars across almost the entire nation, one that promises the coldest temperatures so far this season for millions.

“The level and extensiveness of the frigid air may be tough to match the rest of the winter,” said AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham in an online forecast.

Weather.com meteorologist Chris Dolce said, “although it’s not forecast to set many record lows, the temperatures during this cold snap will be anywhere from 15 to 30 degrees below average for a large area. Some people may experience record cold afternoons.”

Along with the cold comes a Mid-Atlantic and Northeast snowstorm Sunday, just in time for a frigid Inauguration Day in Washington, D.C.

‘Dangerously cold wind chills’

Subzero wind chills are forecast to reach the southern Plains tonight, which will last until Wednesday, the National Weather Service said. Hazardous cold weather will likely linger along the Gulf Coast and the Southeast U.S. through much of the week.

The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh warned that “periods of dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.”

In Cleveland, the weather service warned that “the long duration of this cold will lead to greater impacts to infrastructure, including increased risk of frozen pipes, dead car batteries, and structure fires. There is an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from improper use of secondary heat indoors.”

Winter storm targets Mid-Atlantic, Northeast

Folks along the East Coast will have to deal with snow in addition to the cold: According to the weather service, snow is expected to begin this morning across Virginia and into the DelMarVa peninsula, progress north along the I-95 corridor throughout the day Sunday, then reach southern New England this evening.

“The swath of heaviest snow from this event is expected between the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and Boston, with 3-6 inches of snowfall possible,” the weather service said.

What you should do to prepare for the cold:

To prepare for the cold, the weather service recommends:

∎ Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside.

∎ To prevent water pipes from freezing, wrap or drain or allow them to drip slowly.

∎ Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

∎ Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food, and unfrozen water.

∎ Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors.

∎ Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.