Buffalo, New York – The eastern United States is facing bone-chilling Arctic air this weekend, with the potential for significant disruptions to post-holiday travel in the region. A mass of cold air moving from the northern Plains and Midwest towards the South and East Coast is expected to bring some of the coldest temperatures experienced since last winter, according to the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center.
A wide area in the eastern US is forecasted to see temperatures drop by 15 to 25 degrees, stretching from Minnesota down to Texas. This sudden chill is a result of cold air moving over the unusually warm Great Lakes, triggering the first major lake-effect snow event of the season. As a result, nearly 10 million people were under winter weather alerts on Friday, with expected snow accumulations between 6 to 12 inches, and possibly up to 6 feet in narrow snow bands.
Cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Nashville, and Tallahassee are expecting temperatures more typical of mid-to-late January this weekend. With nearly 70% of the US population expected to face freezing temperatures in the coming days, especially in states like North Dakota and Minnesota, the risk of hypothermia and frostbite is a significant concern.
Michigan, New York, and other parts of the Great Lakes region are on high alert due to the persistent lake-effect snow causing near-whiteout conditions. Watertown, located near Lake Ontario in western New York, could potentially face digging out from up to 70 inches of snow by Monday. Some areas, including northeastern Ohio and northwestern Pennsylvania, are preparing for significant impacts from the heavy snowfall, with accumulations expected to measure in feet.
The heavy snow has already led to the closure of major highways in New York and Pennsylvania, affecting travel significantly. In Erie, Pennsylvania, state police have been rescuing motorists trapped in snowdrifts. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the Buffalo Bills are gearing up to play the San Francisco 49ers in Orchard Park, New York, in freezing temperatures. The game is set to continue as planned, despite concerns about the heavy snowfall in the area.
Erie County officials are working to ensure that the heaviest snowfall will have stopped by game time, but there could still be significant accumulations at the football stadium. Fans have been asked to assist in snow shoveling efforts at the open-air stadium to make the game possible. While the snow may cause some logistical issues for travelers, it seems that the game will proceed as scheduled, as indicated by Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz.