Arctic Air Mass Pushes to the South, Midwest Also Bracing for Dangerous Wind Chills
An Arctic air mass has moved southward across the northern U.S., bringing dangerously low wind chill values, while the Pacific Northwest grapples with severe flooding that has led to mass evacuations. Thousands, including families and their animals, have been rescued as historic rainfall has overwhelmed communities, prompting concerns about levee failures and mudslides. As recovery efforts begin in Washington, officials warn that additional rain and wind are expected, complicating cleanup efforts. Meanwhile, the cold front is forecasted to extend into Southern states, with temperatures plummeting significantly, raising safety concerns across a broad swath of the country.
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The flooding in Washington state resulted from an atmospheric river that dropped over a foot of rain, causing rivers to swell and dramatically inundating communities.
Eddie Wicks and his wife were among those rescued after water rapidly rose around their farm, necessitating a police marine rescue operation.
Emergency officials have reported extensive damage assessments across Snohomish County, with Governor Bob Ferguson highlighting the challenging recovery process ahead for many residents.
In the Upper Midwest, temperatures in Grand Forks, North Dakota, reached minus 12 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind chill making it feel as cold as minus 33 degrees.
Cities like Minneapolis and Chicago were forecasted to experience their coldest temperatures late Saturday night, with projected lows around minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit and 1 degree Fahrenheit respectively.
The National Weather Service has issued cold weather advisories extending as far south as Montgomery, Alabama, anticipating lows around 22 degrees Fahrenheit.
Authorities reported conducting dozens of water rescues due to road washouts and mudslides caused by the flooding, which also threatened livestock and farmland.