Special coverage of the winter storm in the United States continues this Wednesday, January 17th 2024 in different states. While much of the United States spent last weekend hunkered down and hiding from the snow, traditional cold weather cities from Washington, DC to New York skated freely, until yesterday afternoon and this morning, Tuesday, January 16. Follow the latest reports from the National Weather Service for temperatures and breaking news in different sectors of the country.
Another day of snowstorms, warnings, and freezing temperatures is expected for communities in the lower 48 states, the NWA said earlier today. Winter precipitation along the East and West coasts coincides with “frigid Arctic air” over central and southern parts of the country, it said. Potentially record cold temperatures are expected in the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains and Midwest today.
Latest report from the National Weather Service today, Jan. 17
Latest updates on the winter storm in USA
[Update 3:10 pm] A view from the NOAA‘s #GOESEast today shows a large swath of snow on the ground from Mississippi to New York as well as bands of cloud streets streaming off the Great Lakes. Several more feet of lake effect snow could fall in locations downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario.
What Should You Do Before a Winter Storm?
- Stay warm indoors to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
- Before winter begins, make sure you can heat your home safely. Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping.
- Consider using an indoor thermometer or thermostat to monitor the temperature inside.
- Plan to check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying warm. This is especially important for older adults and babies.
- Drink plenty of warm fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Avoid travel if you can.
- If you must go outside, plan to dress properly. Keep your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes covered in warm, dry clothing. These areas are the first to be at risk for frostbite. Wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, mittens, and water-resistant boots. Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth.
- Know where you will go if your home becomes too cold. You could go to a friend’s house, a public library, or a warming center.
What Should You Do During a Winter Storm?
- Use care with space heaters and fireplaces to prevent fires. Keep anything that could catch fire at least 3 feet (1 meter) from the heat!
- Avoid using candles because of the fire risk. Use battery-powered lights and flashlights instead.
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning is common during power outages when people use other means to heat and cook. You can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators, grills, and camp stoves outdoors and away from windows. Carbon monoxide kills. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away – do not delay.
- To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and home fires, never heat your home with a cooking oven or stove.