A blast of Arctic air is set to bring bone-chilling temperatures and heavy snow to much of the central and eastern U.S. over the weekend. The northern Plains and upper Midwest will see single digit temperatures with dangerously cold wind chills. The cold air will then move south and east, plunging temperatures to near freezing in areas unaccustomed to such cold weather.
Millions along the Interstate 95 corridor can expect the coldest start to winter in years, with temperatures dropping well below historical averages. Freeze warnings and watches are in effect for parts of Texas and Florida, with residents advised to protect young children, the elderly, and the homeless, as well as water pipes and tender plants.
Light snow is expected in the Central Appalachians on Friday, with light to moderate snow in the middle Mississippi Valley to the central Appalachians on Saturday. Heavy lake-effect snow will impact parts of Michigan and downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario through Sunday. A wave of low pressure will bring light to moderate snow to parts of the central Plains moving eastward to the central Appalachians on Sunday.
Meanwhile, a slow-moving front in Florida will bring showers and thunderstorms to the state and the central Gulf Coast on Friday and Saturday. The rain will be accompanied by a drop in temperatures as the Arctic air moves in.
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