Extreme Weather

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Meteorologists warn of ‘intense’ snow in Great Lakes states and record lows in South

CHICAGO (AP) — Large swaths of the U.S. prepared for one of the season’s first blasts of wintry weather Sunday as temperatures dipped and snow fell in the Northern Plains, snowstorms developed eastward across the Great Lakes and the South prepared for a big chill.

https://apnews.com/article/winter-weather-snow-chicago-great-lakes-storm-34919c171b8ecebcad4ecab6708c0712?

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Early Winter Blast

An Arctic blast swept across the eastern half of the US this week, driving temperatures 15 to 25 degrees below average and affecting over 190 million people. The first major winter storm of the 2025-26 season was fueled by a sharp dip in the jet stream that pulled polar air from Canada nearly three weeks before meteorological winter officially begins Dec. 1. The winter storm set record daily lows from Alabama to Tennessee and brought rare freezes to the Deep South. Snowfall reached as much as 18 inches in Michigan, while parts of Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin saw more than a foot of lake-effect snow. About 7.5 inches of snow was reported in the Smoky Mountains, with some snow reported as far south as northern Georgia. Florida experienced wind chills in the 30s, triggering warnings as stunned iguanas fell from trees, paralyzed by the cold. Temperatures are expected to begin rebounding today as the system shifts farther east. See photos here.   Record-low temperatures shock the Southeast US while snow blankets parts of the Northeast The first major cold spell of the season brought record-low temperatures to parts of the southeastern U.S. on Tuesday, delivering a shock for 18 million people under a freeze warning across Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Read more. What to know: Some daily records were “absolutely shattered,” said meteorologist Scott Kleebauer, including a low of 28 degrees Fahrenheit at the airport in Jacksonville, Florida, on Tuesday morning, which broke the previous record low of 35 degrees set in 1977.   The cold in Florida creates an unusual problem: falling iguanas. Iguanas begin to “freeze” and fall from trees when temperatures dip to 40 degrees or below, according to Kleebauer. Posts of the stunned reptiles trickled in on social media.   The cold air over the Great Lakes’ relatively warmer waters created ripe conditions for significant snowfall in some communities along the Great Lakes and downwind, farther inland in Pennsylvania and New York. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Strong winds can bring gale warnings to communities near water. Here’s what that means   WATCH: Snowfall blankets western New York as cold impacts eastern U.S.

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Severe weather

A strong Pacific storm is sweeping through California, raising the risks of flooding, mudslides and debris flows — especially near burn scars in the Los Angeles area. On Thursday, the storm moved through northern and central California with a mix of strong winds and heavy rainfall. San Francisco has already received nearly an inch and a half of rain, about 75% of the city's November average. Meanwhile, temperatures across the central and southern US are rebounding after an Arctic blast brought record-breaking cold to several states. Some Midwest cities that just saw their first snowflakes of the season could see daily record high temperatures on Saturday, forecasts show.

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Lingering thunderstorms bring flooding risk after atmospheric river drenches much of California

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A powerful atmospheric river had mostly moved through California after causing at least six deaths and dousing much of the state, but lingering thunderstorms brought the risk of mudslides in areas of Los Angeles County that were recently ravaged by wildfire.

https://apnews.com/article/california-rain-storm-atmospheric-river-933aaee50fb37ca84ea14a309dee65d9?

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Winter storm

Parts of the US are grappling with severe winter weather on one of the busiest travel days of the year. A new storm is now moving out of the Plains toward the Northeast, threatening widespread disruptions after a post-Thanksgiving blast dropped record November snow in Chicago, shut down highways across multiple states and triggered thousands of flight cancellations. The storm will bring another round of snow and ice to many of the same regions today, spreading into the interior Northeast by Tuesday. Heavy coastal rain is expected across the Ohio Valley, while flash flooding is possible across the South. A total of 30 states are under weather advisories, watches or warnings.

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Heavy snow predicted for Northeast as Midwest still struggles with Thanksgiving weather snarls

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Black ice, snow showers and fog pestered post-holiday travelers in the Midwest on Monday while the Northeast geared up for its first major snowstorm of the season.

https://apnews.com/article/weather-snow-winter-new-england-chicago-thanksgiving-24679420305b7bd6b15cae1423219992?

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Winter’s first big snowstorm hits the Northeast as schools close and traffic slows

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The first major storm of the winter covered parts of the Northeast and mid-Atlantic with snow and ice Tuesday, making roads hazardous, disrupting travel and closing schools as some areas braced for several inches of heavy snowfall.

https://apnews.com/article/winter-weather-snow-new-england-thanksgiving-71e3707f522a7da0cb9f288e50990c03?

Winter Storm Barrels In

A powerful winter storm swept from the Midwest to the Northeast this week, unleashing heavy snow, blizzard conditions, and dangerous winds across a broad strip of the US.  Kicking off meteorological winter, up to 70 million people were affected from the Central Plains to northern Maine, where the Northeast saw its first widespread snow and ice of the season. Interior areas picked up some of the highest totals, with parts of northern New England reporting up to 12 inches as strong winds and pockets of ice made travel dangerous. The storm followed a weekend system that dumped more than 8 inches at Chicago’s O’Hare airport, breaking a November snowfall record set in 1951. Post-storm, Arctic air will deepen the cold through the weekend, with subzero temperatures in the northern Plains and Upper Midwest.

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Extreme cold

It’s December, so of course it’s cold outside — but an arctic air mass that’s descended into the US has plunged temperatures 20 to 30 degrees lower than normal for this time of year.

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Washington state faces historic floods that have washed away homes and stranded families Days of torrential rain in Washington state has caused historic floods that have stranded families on rooftops, washed over bridges and ripped at least two homes from their foundations. Experts warn that even more flooding expected Friday could be catastrophic. Read more.

What to know: Washington is under a state of emergency and evacuation orders are in place for tens of thousands of residents. Gov. Bob Ferguson on Thursday urged everyone to follow evacuation instructions as yet another river neared record levels.    About 78,000 residents of a major agricultural region north of Seattle were ordered to evacuate the floodplain of the Skagit River, which was expected to crest Friday morning.

RELATED COVERAGE ➤ The science behind the unusual weather conditions bringing trillions of gallons in persistent rain   How to prepare your pet for winter

[hobie]

What are your thoughts on the Polar Vortex changing and the cause of much of the extreme weather we have been seeing..

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Damage from record flooding in Washington state is profound, with more on the way, governor says

SEATTLE (AP) — The extent of the damage in Washington state is profound but unclear after more than a week of heavy rains and record flooding, Gov. Bob Ferguson said Tuesday, as more high water, mudslides and power outages were in the forecast.

https://apnews.com/article/pacific-northwest-levee-floods-washington-5a5d085e96e98d24c96a889b4d7d8e6c?

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California flooding

A new atmospheric river-fueled storm is tracking toward Southern California after a previous storm triggered deadly flooding and evacuations over the weekend in Northern California. The powerful storm is prompting evacuations in the areas of Los Angeles ravaged by wildfires — and a rare “high risk” warning for flooding — with months’ worth of rain and life-threatening flooding expected in the region. At least one person died after flash floods from the first storm inundated Redding in Northern California.

[Asia Joe]

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Florida experienced wind chills in the 30s, triggering warnings as stunned iguanas fell from trees, paralyzed by the cold.

Iguanas are safe here. It never gets below 75f here in Philippines. 

[Asia Joe]

On 12/14/2025 at 8:00 PM, hobie said:

What are your thoughts on the Polar Vortex changing and the cause of much of the extreme weather we have been seeing..

This is part of the pole shift. The Magnetosphere is weakening and effecting the local weather on earth. 

The sun is going through major changes and sending blasts that hit the earth. 

https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceWeatherNewsS0s

 

Jesus is coming sooner than people realize. 

 

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? California's Christmas storm dumped record rainfall across the state, flooding highways, knocking out power to 150,000 customers, and forcing evacuations in multiple counties. Nearly 40 million people remain under flood watches through Friday. Go deeper.

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Winter storm brings blizzard conditions and dangerous wind chills A potent winter storm threatened blizzard-like conditions, treacherous travel and power outages in parts of the Upper Midwest as other areas of the country braced Monday for plunging temperatures, strong winds and a mix of snow, ice and rain. Read more.

What to know: “Part of the storm system is getting heavy snow, other parts of the storm along the cold front are getting higher winds and much colder temperatures as the front passes,” said Bob Oravec, a lead forecaster at the National Weather Service office in College Park, Maryland. “They’re all related to each other — different parts of the country will be receiving different effects from this storm.”   In the South, meteorologists warned severe thunderstorms are likely to signal the arrival of a sharp cold front — bringing a sudden drop in temperatures and strong north winds that will abruptly end days of record warmth throughout that region.

RELATED COVERAGE ➤ WATCH: Roads covered in snow in the Upper Midwest

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?️ Hundreds of thousands of people have lost power, and hundreds of flights have been canceled, amid a major winter storm affecting the Upper Midwest over to New England. Temperatures are plummeting across much of the country as an Arctic cold front rushes in. Go deeper.

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Heavy rain and high tides cause flooding along a stretch of Northern California

CORTE MADERA, Calif. (AP) — Heavy rain and high tides believed to be the most severe in two decades caused flooding in parts of Northern California on Saturday, prompting road closures and rescues of people trapped in cars.

https://apnews.com/article/california-flooding-rain-king-tides-marin-be520e0b4d53831cb30d54af7560f6d0?

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Winter storm warnings issued in 6 states as up to 2 feet of snow to hit

Six states should brace for severe winter weather as a massive snowstorm is set to hit in the coming days.

https://local.newsbreak.com/alaska-state/4433935416721-winter-storm-warnings-issued-in-6-states-as-up-to-2-feet-of-snow-to-hit?

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Forecasters warn of a ‘potentially catastrophic’ storm from Texas to the Carolinas

ATLANTA (AP) — With many Americans still recovering from multiple blasts of snow and unrelenting freezing temperatures in the nation’s northern tier, a new storm is set to emerge this weekend that could coat roads, trees and power lines with devastating ice across a wide expanse of the South.

https://apnews.com/article/winter-weather-snow-ice-weekend-storm-ba67d30f05cbe14e9568907f09d2f13f?

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Monster winter storm coming

Data: Global Forecast System; Map: Erin Davis/Axios Visuals A massive and dangerous winter storm is set to pummel huge swaths of the country later this week through the weekend, Alex Fitzpatrick reports. ?️ Snow, freezing rain and/or sleet are possible from parts of New Mexico and Texas all the way east to Georgia and north to New England. ? A blast of Arctic air means any snow and ice that falls during the storm could stick around without much melting. More than 70 million Americans are under a winter storm watch as of this afternoon. ✈️ Travel will likely be crippled, with dangerous driving conditions and flight delays and cancellations. ? Ice will be a major threat in the South, likely causing power outages. Some areas that don't usually get huge snowfalls could get walloped. ? The latest model runs are calling for over a foot of snow in parts of Texas, Tennessee, Georgia and elsewhere. ?‍? Forecasters are still working through their predictions, and their estimates could change up until the precipitation starts falling. One challenge: Deciding which areas will get snow versus freezing rain or sleet. ?? Their message for now: If you're in the path of this potentially record-smashing winter storm, start prepping ASAP. ? Nashville NWS forecasters: "Go ahead and make preparations and plan to stay home unless you must travel." Go deeper.

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Help your neighbors weather the storm

Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios

A sprawling winter storm is set to hit half of the country this weekend, and millions of people are bracing for delays and dangerous conditions. The big picture: What we do to prepare before the storm lands can make a critical difference in helping us — and our neighbors — get through it safely. Zoom in: Here are some steps you can take to get ready and help others do the same — from buying supplies to donating blood. These tips are especially important if you live in an area that doesn't typically see severe winter weather and could be dealing with the effects of the storm for days. ? Consider donating blood: America's blood supply is facing a critical shortage, and the storm could exacerbate the issue, Axios' April Rubin reports. The Red Cross said blood donations were down 35% nationally in the past month. "[R]ight now, the perfect storm of a long holiday season, record flu activity and winter weather are all impeding donation efforts," says Courtney Lawrence, executive medical director for the Red Cross. The ongoing shortage is especially serious for types O, A negative and B negative. ? Buy the essential groceries: Stock up on a week's worth or more of bottled water and non-perishable items in addition to your normal groceries. Think beans, peanut butter, cereal and protein bars. Plus, make sure you pick up prescription medications before the storm hits. ? Lend a hand: If you have neighbors who are elderly or who have young kids, offer to pick up some groceries for them when you do your pre-storm run. If you have trouble getting around, ask a neighbor or friend to help stock your fridge and pantry. ? Get on the group chat: Collect neighbors' numbers if you don't already have them, and start a text chain to check in on folks throughout the weekend. Use the chat to share resources and to offer help de-icing and shoveling for neighbors who are older or have disabilities. ? Prepare for power outages: Charge your devices and have extra batteries on hand in case you unexpectedly lose electricity during the storm. Worthy of your time: Snow survival 101, with tips from Axios reporters across the country

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Weekend Winter Storm

About half the US population is in the path (w/map) of a winter storm, starting today in Texas and reaching the Northeast by Sunday. A potentially record-breaking cold snap is forecast to follow, with frigid temperatures lingering into next week for millions. Meteorologists warn damage could rival that of a hurricane, with heavy ice threatening power lines as people contend with subfreezing temperatures. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) was among several governors to proactively declare emergencies yesterday; a Texas power grid failure during a 2021 winter storm caused over 200 deaths. Parts of Oklahoma could see over a foot of snow as the system brings ice and sleet to Jackson, Mississippi, which has no city-owned snowplows. Meanwhile, wind chills could plunge as low as minus 35 degrees in Chicago and Des Moines, Iowa, today, prompting school closures.  A shift in the polar vortex, fueled by relatively warmer Arctic temperatures, is colliding with moisture from off California and the US' southern coast to create these severe conditions.    Texas and Oklahoma prepare for snow and ice as huge winter storm barrels toward east of US The heavy snow and ice could make roadways treacherous Friday in what forecasters predict will be some of the initial effects of a massive, dayslong winter storm threatening catastrophic damage, extensive power outages and bitterly cold weather to the eastern two-thirds of the U.S. Read more. Why this matters: Forecasters are warning the damage, especially in areas pounded by ice, could rival a hurricane. About 160 million people were under winter storm or cold weather watches or warnings — and in many places both. Ice can add hundreds of pounds to power lines and branches and make them more susceptible to snapping, especially in windy weather. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Why freezing rain has millions at risk of losing power — and heat   When big snow and ice blow in, most people reach for salt. There are ways to reduce its harms   Animal advocates rush to save more than 200 dogs in Mississippi before winter storm

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"Catastrophic" winter storm begins

Over a dozen governors have declared a state of emergency, and thousands of flights have been canceled, as a potentially "catastrophic" winter storm begins, Alex Fitzpatrick reports.

• More than 150 million Americans are under winter storm warnings or watches, spanning from New Mexico to New England.
• A state of emergency has been declared in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington, D.C., ABC News reports.

?️ The latest from NWS forecasters: "Snowfall totals exceeding 12 inches are likely across the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast."

• "In addition, widespread freezing rain and sleet are expected across the Southern Plains, the Lower Mississippi Valley, the Tennessee Valley, and the Southeast." Get the latest.

? "The storm will cause significant to locally catastrophic ice accumulations with the potential for long-duration power outages, extensive tree damage, and extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions," the Weather Service continues.

• ? "In the wake of the storm, communities from the Southern Plains to the Northeast will contend with bitterly cold temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills."

Many areas in the storm's path are ill-equipped for major winter storms and multiple days of extreme cold.

• ? The snow and ice will be a big test for Texas power grid operator ERCOT, which says it has beefed up resiliency since a 2021 winter blast caused long blackouts and hundreds of deaths.

✈️ 500+ U.S. flights have already been canceled today, with nearly 1,900 more tomorrow and about 450 Sunday, per FlightAware.

• Those numbers will likely rise given the storm's scope and severity.
• Many airlines are offering affected travelers a chance to rebook, but they stress patience.

? Some food-delivery apps could temporarily pause service in some areas, Axios Richmond's Karri Peifer reports.

• Minnesota officials are warning of exploding trees due to the extreme cold, Axios Twin Cities' Kyle Stokes reports.

Go deeper.

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More than half the US threatened with ice, snow and cold in massive winter storm

Forecasters warned that damage from a dayslong winter storm, especially in areas pounded by ice, could rival a hurricane. At least 177 million people were under watches or warnings for ice and snow and more than 200 million were under cold weather advisories or warnings. In many places they overlapped. Utility companies braced for power outages because ice-coated trees and power lines can keep falling long after a storm has passed. Read more.

RELATED COVERAGE ➤

WATCH: Dangerous winter storm threatens more than 170 million across the U.S. What weather apps sometimes miss about dangerous winter storm conditions A power outage can turn dangerous fast. Here’s how to prepare