A historic winter storm is expected to bring rare snow and frigid temperatures throughout the Gulf Coast region until midweek, affecting more than 55 million people. Snow and ice are forecasted for cities such as Houston and Baton Rouge, with accumulations of up to 6 inches in some areas. Authorities are urging people to stay off the roads and prevent pipes from freezing. Most Gulf Coast cities do not have snowplows, making the storm potentially crippling for the region. Freezing rain is expected to stretch north into coastal Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Cold alerts are in effect for 214 million people across the country, with temperatures well below average in many areas. Wind chills are expected to make temperatures feel like minus 55 degrees in some parts of the country. Additionally, possible cold records could be set in several states. Throughout the week, snow off the Atlantic coast and heavy rain will impact the Florida Peninsula. Infrastructure issues, such as widespread pipe bursts, could arise as below-freezing temperatures persist for more than 24 hours in some areas. Overall, the winter storm is expected to have a significant impact on a wide swath of the United States, from Texas to the Northeast.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com