As much of the U.S. braces for an arctic cold wave, preparations are in full swing to tackle freezing temperatures and snow. The National Weather Service in Atlanta reports that the Atlanta area is bracing for a plunge in temperatures starting Sunday evening, potentially staying below freezing for several days. They’ve urged the community to prepare ahead of the weekend through announcements on X.
In Connecticut, snow is expected to start late Sunday afternoon and continue into Monday morning, with accumulations projected between four to ten inches. Governor Ned Lamont has assured residents that over 600 snowplows and specialized equipment are ready to spring into action, with crews on standby throughout the weekend to clear roads of snow and ice promptly.
“This storm has been forecast in advance, so residents are encouraged to plan their travels and settle in before Sunday afternoon when the snow is predicted to hit,” Lamont advised. He advocated for staying indoors to enjoy some football and stressed the importance of cautious driving if travel is necessary, highlighting the need for motorists to maintain a safe distance from snowplows.
New York City has also issued a winter weather alert in anticipation of two to five inches of snow, with some localized areas potentially seeing more. Temperatures there are expected to dip below freezing by Monday, raising concerns about hazardous travel conditions. Mayor Eric Adams announced proactive measures to ensure road safety and support for the city’s unsheltered residents in finding shelter during the cold.
Across several states, warming centers are opening to accommodate those needing refuge from the cold. Alabama is setting up centers in Dale, Mobile, and Houston counties, while Columbus, Ohio, will have five community centers available as warming stations. Houston is preparing to open 10 warming centers, and Chicago has publicized a list of open facilities for warmth on its city website.
In Texas, Jeff Lindner, Harris County’s meteorologist, noted that temperatures could plunge into the upper 20s and low 30s Sunday night through Monday morning, warning of extreme cold.
Meanwhile, Tallahassee, Florida, braces for severe weather and heavy rain on Sunday, intensifying into bitter cold by nightfall.
The incoming cold snap has further prompted the cancellation of several Martin Luther King Jr. Day events. In New Orleans, Mayor LaToya Cantrell declared that planned parades and marches were called off, with a smaller recognition event at the MLK monument now planned instead. Baltimore’s Mayor Brandon M. Scott issued a similar cancellation for their MLK parade, citing safety concerns for both participants and attendees.
“As we face this severe winter weather, prioritizing the safety of our communities remains critical,” Scott shared on Facebook, thanking residents for their understanding and support in these challenging conditions.
