Arctic Blast Sweeps U.S.: Wind Chills Drop to -40°F From Arizona to North Carolina This Weekend
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A powerful arctic blast is bringing dangerous wind chills as low as -40°F to areas from Arizona to North Carolina starting this weekend. Residents are bracing for life-threatening cold as the system moves from the Rockies into the Southeast, with conditions worsening Saturday night through Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service, the hardest-hit areas will be the Rockies and northern Plains, where wind chills could drop to -40°F. As the cold front pushes east, subzero temperatures will reach parts of the Carolinas, with North Carolina’s mountain regions bracing for wind chills of -5°F. Arizona’s northern areas, including Flagstaff, could experience wind chills of -1°F.
These extreme conditions increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia in as little as 10 minutes for exposed skin. Officials are urging residents to stay indoors, dress in layers, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Pets and livestock should also be sheltered to prevent exposure.
Snow squalls are possible through Friday across the northern Plains and Great Lakes, reducing visibility and creating hazardous driving conditions on major highways, including I-40 and I-10. Bitterly cold air will linger across much of the country through Wednesday, with power outages and travel disruptions possible.
The arctic blast is expected to affect millions, with below-freezing temperatures reaching as far south as the Gulf Coast and Southeast U.S. Residents should prepare for prolonged cold by stocking up on supplies, including food, water, and blankets, and monitor local forecasts for updates.
Stay informed and follow winter weather advisories closely to protect yourself during this historic cold wave.
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