Boston, MA – A powerful Arctic airmass is surging down the East Coast today, bringing icy conditions, dangerous cold, and freeze alerts from Maine through the Carolinas and into parts of Georgia and northern Florida.
According to the National Weather Service, a fast-moving band of snow is wrapping up across the Mid-Atlantic this morning but will linger along the Northeast and southern New England coastline through late afternoon before pushing offshore this evening. Behind the snow, bitterly cold and dry Arctic air is spreading across the eastern third of the U.S., sharply increasing the risk of ice, frozen roads, and dangerous wind chills.
High pressure building over the Mississippi Valley is driving temperatures well below normal. Highs across the Ohio Valley are expected to remain in the teens today, with some locations potentially tying or breaking daily records. Extreme Cold Warnings remain in effect for parts of Illinois and Indiana, while much of the East Coast experiences sub-freezing daytime temperatures.
The cold surge reaches the Southeast tonight. Freeze Warnings have been issued for portions of southern Georgia and northern Florida, putting crops, exposed pipes, and pets at risk. Icy patches are also possible on bridges and overpasses as temperatures drop rapidly after sunset.
Cold air is expected to remain locked over the East Coast through Monday, prolonging hazardous travel conditions from New England through the Carolinas. Temperatures are forecast to slowly moderate beginning Tuesday, but below-average readings may persist in some areas.
Farther inland, cold northwesterly winds over the Great Lakes will generate lake-effect snow through Monday evening. Portions of the Lower Great Lakes could see 6 to 12 inches of snow by early Tuesday, with locally higher totals.
Residents along the East Coast are urged to limit travel, dress in layers, and protect vulnerable pipes, plants, and pets as this Arctic outbreak continues.
