New England, Mid-Atlantic – A widespread outbreak of Arctic air is bringing dangerously cold conditions across much of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, prompting numerous Cold Weather Advisories and Extreme Cold Warnings through Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service, wind chills ranging from 15 to 30 degrees below zero are expected across New England, upstate New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, and portions of the Mid-Atlantic and coastal Carolinas. In northern New England and higher elevations, the coldest wind chills may reach 25 to 30 below zero, capable of causing frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 to 30 minutes.
The cold air mass is being reinforced by strong northwest winds, with many areas under Wind Advisories or High Wind Warnings. Gusts of 40 to 60 miles per hour are expected in parts of Virginia, the Carolinas, the Appalachians, and coastal regions, worsening wind chill values and increasing the risk of downed trees and power outages.
Across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and New York, Cold Weather Advisories extend from Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon, while portions of Virginia, North Carolina, and the coastal Mid-Atlantic are under Extreme Cold Warnings overnight Saturday into Sunday. The National Weather Service also warns that black ice is likely, especially on bridges, overpasses, and untreated secondary roads.
Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, dress in multiple layers including hats and gloves, and ensure pets are kept indoors. Officials recommend checking on elderly neighbors, using portable heaters safely, and never operating generators or grills indoors.
For commuters, early-morning hours will be the most dangerous due to a combination of low wind chills and icy road conditions, particularly along major corridors such as I-95, I-81, I-90, and I-70.
The Arctic cold is expected to gradually ease late Sunday, but officials stress that cold-related injuries remain a serious risk until temperatures recover. Residents should continue monitoring local Weather.gov updates for the latest advisories and warnings.
