As they would say in Winterfell, “winter is here,” and with it have come new waves of arctic air that have millions of residents in the United States on alert for snow and cold. As the National Weather Service (NWS) has warned, next week both Canada and the United States will experience new waves of frigid arctic air, so stay tuned as we tell you how to prepare for this cold!
The arctic cold is here
According to forecasts, waves of air from northern Canada will move toward the centre of the continent and will grip the central and eastern United States beginning Friday, January 17. These icy currents will pass through the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains before reaching both the Gulf and Coast of Mexico over the weekend, so be sure to be prepared!
What temperature is expected?
Ryan Maue, the meteorologist, warns that 80 million residents of the country will be in temperatures below 0ºF the following Tuesday, and that the high will not exceed 6ºF.
So what’s going to happen?
We may be facing the most intense snowstorm of the season this weekend and it will be the central and eastern regions of the country that will be the hardest hit. The Western Slopes of Appalachia, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey could be the hardest hit states and could see many slippery roads (because the snow will reduce visibility by up to 60% and the roads will be very slippery…).
There will be a second snowstorm, which will occupy all of Sunday. In this case, the cold air will be “still”, and even colder air will move in as the storm progresses, this will push the cold air eastward, the second storm will tend to remain weak, track further east and bring more wintry precipitation closer to the Atlantic coast.
How can I protect myself from storms?
It is very important that you stay safe in these conditions so that neither you nor anyone in your family is at risk.
- First of all it is basic, but make a survival kit of non-perishable food and water. Make sure you have enough caloric food (rice, canned goods, dried fruits…) for at least 3 or 4 days, and don’t forget drinking water (because you don’t know if the water will be cut off at some point).
- Check that your windows close properly and reinforce them with curtains or towels on the windows to prevent the cold from getting in through the cracks. Check your home for leaks and drips
- Have an alternative source of heat, thermal blankets, sleeping bags or thermal clothing in case the electricity goes out, and if you have a fireplace, make sure you have enough wood for these three days!
- Prepare an emergency kit with essential medicines and painkillers, and keep portable batteries and flashlights in there.
- It is advisable not to use the car, but if you have to, check that your car has enough gasoline and chains (if necessary), and carry an emergency kit similar to the one we are recommending in the car.
- Don’t forget to keep up to date with NWS updates.
The important thing is to take care of yourself and stay warm in these snowfalls, take the opportunity to watch Netflix with a hot chocolate while Olaf appears outside!