A coastal low is expected to bring moderate to heavy snow to the Carolinas on January 31st, along with strong winds and the possibility of blowing snow.
Even heavy snow can’t stop people’s lives.
Winter storms across the country won’t stop these fearless souls. See how people pull together and continue life despite the snow.
Much of the United States remains frozen, bringing snow and strong winds to coastal areas in parts of the South, with the potential for blizzards.
The National Weather Service announced on Saturday, January 31st, that a severe winter storm warning is in effect from Georgia to Virginia. Heavy snow and strong winds are expected from the southern Appalachians in Georgia to the coastal areas of the Carolinas and southeastern Virginia.
The heaviest snow and gusty winds are expected in North Carolina, where forecasters warn that a bomb cyclone could create dangerous conditions.
Inland areas could see 8 to 12 inches of snow due to wind-driven snow drifts, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. Near the Outer Banks, there is not much snow, but near-hurricane-force winds could gust up to 70 mph (110 km/h), and coastal flooding warnings are in effect.
Scott Kennedy, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Morehead, North Carolina, office, told USA TODAY, adding that snow had already begun to fall Saturday morning.
The Bureau of Meteorology then predicted that arctic air would bring record cold temperatures to the Southeast into Tuesday, with temperatures near and below zero.
AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said in a statement that more than 130 million people are under cold weather and winter storm warnings over the weekend.
How much snow did it fall?
What’s in the forecast for this weekend’s winter storm?
A coastal low is expected to bring moderate to heavy snow with strong winds and the possibility of blowing snow to the Carolinas into Saturday night, the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center said in a forecast discussion. Strong winds and coastal flooding are expected on the east coast.
The center of the Arctic atmosphere is expected to move “unusually southward” into lower parts of the southeast for the remainder of the weekend. By Sunday morning, subfreezing temperatures are possible across southern Florida.
From the mid-Atlantic coast to the south, daily low temperatures are expected to challenge or break through the weekend and early next week.
Elsewhere, the Plains and Great Lakes are expected to experience rain, snow and frigid temperatures from January 31 to February 1.
How to stay safe during a winter storm
According to the National Institute on Aging, if you have to go outside, be sure to wear waterproof boots and wear loose layers to keep air in between to keep you warm. Additionally, wear a hat, scarf, and gloves to keep yourself warm.
As Ready.gov explains, you should also know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia, which can be life-threatening.
If you must drive, be sure to drive slowly and be aware that black ice is difficult to see. Always make sure your car is in good condition. Check fluid levels, wipers, and gas levels. Let someone know your timing and route and keep a survival kit just in case.
Strong winds and heavy snow can also cause power outages, so be prepared.
When you go outside to shovel snow, be sure to take precautions to do so safely. The American Heart Association says shoveling snow can increase your heart rate and blood pressure in the cold, which can lead to injuries and heart attacks. USA TODAY has commentary on when the storm passes.
Contributors: USA TODAY’s Jeanine Santucci, Melina Khan and Janet Loehrke
(This story has been updated to change or add photos and videos.)
