A brutal Arctic outbreak is gripping the U.S., with wind chills plunging to a staggering -50°F in Montana and North Dakota while a major winter storm barrels across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. Millions are under winter weather alerts as snow, ice, and extreme cold create life-threatening conditions from coast to coast.
According to the National Weather Service, wind chills as low as -50°F in parts of Montana and North Dakota could cause frostbite in under 10 minutes. Extreme cold weather advisories stretch into Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and California, as frigid air expands across the West and Plains.
Meanwhile, a powerful snowstorm is sweeping across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, triggering winter storm warnings in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, West Virginia, Virginia, and Kentucky. Some areas could see a foot of snow, with dangerous ice accumulation expected in lower elevations.
Travel conditions are deteriorating rapidly, with road closures, flight delays, and power outages likely. Residents in affected areas should prepare for extreme cold, stay off roads if possible, and monitor updates as conditions worsen.
