A blast of Arctic air is set to bring bone-chilling temperatures and heavy snow to much of the central and eastern U.S. during one of the busiest travel periods. The core of the Arctic air will affect the northern Plains and upper Midwest with dangerously cold wind chills, before moving south and east over the holiday weekend, affecting areas from central Texas to northern Florida and up to New York. Temperatures are expected to be 10 to 20 degrees below historical averages, with millions waking up to below-freezing temperatures on Saturday morning.
Snow and freezing temperatures are expected to create hazardous driving conditions across the Great Lakes region, with winter storm warnings in place from northern Wisconsin to western New York, where up to 4 feet of snow could fall. Drivers are urged to take caution as snowfall rates could reach up to 5 inches per hour.
In the South, freeze warnings and watches are in effect from Texas to northern Florida, prompting measures to protect vulnerable populations and property. Parts of the Central Appalachians and parts of Michigan will see snowfall, with heavy lake-effect snow expected in certain areas downwind of the Great Lakes.
Additionally, a wave of low pressure is forecasted to produce light to moderate snow from the central Plains to the central Appalachians over the weekend. Meanwhile, a slow-moving front will bring showers and thunderstorms to Florida and the central Gulf Coast, along with a drop in temperatures due to the Arctic air mass.
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