Millions to be impacted by winter storm
The first significant winter storm of the year is endangering a 2,100-mile swath of the country from the Northwest and Plains through the mid-Atlantic and East Coast, bringing a multitude of life-threatening hazards across major metropolitan areas, including heavy snow amid potentially blizzard-like conditions, and crippling ice accretions that could lead to extended power outages.
Mike Oravec with the Weather Prediction Center joined LiveNOW from FOX’s Josh Breslow to discuss.
Chiefs Team Stranded due to Ice Storm
The Kansas City Chiefs were stranded for several hours Saturday at Kansas City International Airport as an ice storm shut down operations.
The severe winter weather prevented their chartered jet from departing for their game against the Broncos on Sunday in Denver.
The team finally departed after spending about four hours stranded on the tarmac.
Details of the Incident
The Chiefs tried to move up the flight as the weather, which had been predicted all week. But the plane they were expected to use was delayed in arriving, so the team had to stick with its mid-afternoon departure.
Their chartered jet was the first to depart once airport operations resumed.
Winter storm forecast
Data from the Weather Report
The winter weather affecting the area Saturday is part of a much larger system heading through much of the U.S. this weekend and into Monday.
Heavy snow with winds that could lead to blizzard conditions hit the Central Plains starting Saturday.
The storm will then move into the Ohio Valley on Sunday, where travel disruptions are expected, and to the Mid-Atlantic on Sunday into Monday.
Starting Monday, hundreds of millions of people in the eastern two-thirds of the country will experience dangerous, bone-chilling air and wind chills, forecasters said.
Expected Temperatures and Conditions
Temperatures could be 12 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit colder than normal as the polar vortex stretches down from the high Arctic.
A hard freeze is even expected in Florida.
Conclusions
The winter storm expected to hit a 2,100-mile swath of the country will bring multiple life-threatening hazards, including heavy snow, ice accretions, and potential power outages. The incident involving the Kansas City Chiefs and their chartered jet is just one example of the disruptions this storm is likely to cause. With hundreds of millions of people expected to experience dangerous temperatures and conditions, it is crucial that everyone takes necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being during this period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What regions are expected to be impacted by the winter storm?
A: The first significant winter storm of the year is expected to affect a 2,100-mile swath of the country, including the Northwest and Plains through the mid-Atlantic and East Coast.
Q: What hazards does the storm bring?
A: The storm brings a multitude of life-threatening hazards, including heavy snow amid potentially blizzard-like conditions, and crippling ice accretions that could lead to extended power outages.
Q: What did the Kansas City Chiefs experience?
A: The Kansas City Chiefs were stranded for several hours at Kansas City International Airport as an ice storm shut down operations, preventing them from departing for their game against the Broncos on Sunday in Denver.
Q: How many people will be impacted by the storm?
A: Hundreds of millions of people in the eastern two-thirds of the country will experience dangerous, bone-chilling air and wind chills, forecasters said, starting Monday.
Q: What safety precautions should I take?
A: Take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and well-being during this period, such as staying informed about weather conditions and taking necessary precautions to protect yourself from the hazards brought by the storm.
