On Saturday, a severe Arctic blast hit the US, bringing record-breaking low temperatures and widespread snow and ice. This winter weather disrupted everything from football playoffs to presidential campaigns as the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday weekend began.
Weather warnings stretched across the country: from ice storm alerts in Oregon to blizzard warnings in the northern plains and high wind advisories in New Mexico. Dan Abinana, braving the snowy streets of Des Moines, Iowa, expressed frustration, noting, “You never get used to the snow,” despite moving from Tanzania years ago.
In Portland, Oregon, officials investigated a hypothermia death as freezing rain and snow blanketed the city. Shelters opened to accommodate those seeking warmth. Fatalities related to the storm were reported earlier in California, Idaho, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
Portland, Oregon faces freezing rain and snow, with shelters opening for warmth.Nebraska’s Governor Jim Pillen declared a state of emergency due to severe snow and wind conditions. The state has seen up to 2 feet of snow in some areas, with wind chills plummeting below zero. “This event is not going away tonight or tomorrow,” Pillen warned, predicting days of ongoing harsh weather.
Nebraska highways faced closures, with 1,700 miles of roads shut and state police rescuing over 400 stranded motorists. Iowa also struggled, with Interstate 80 blocked by jackknifed semitrailers and 100 cars trapped in snow. Troopers reported handling numerous accidents and motorist assists.
The National Weather Service reported extreme cold nationwide, with temperatures dropping below -30°F in Montana and -50°F possible in the Dakotas. Winter storms are common but the intensity and frequency of these storms are noteworthy, according to meteorologist Zach Taylor.
Electricity outages affected hundreds of thousands in Michigan, Oregon, and Wisconsin. High tides in the northeast caused flooding in Maine and New Hampshire, with record tide levels recorded in Portland, Maine.
In South Dakota, temperatures reached -17°F, but wind chills made it feel like -48°F. Emergency shelters were at capacity, prompting the use of gyms for additional space.
New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul warned of a “dangerous storm,” leading to the postponement of an NFL playoff game. Kansas City’s game against the Miami Dolphins faced extreme cold, with temperatures at kickoff expected to be -2°F, feeling like -24°F with wind chill.
Amidst the harsh weather, some found solace. In Lake Odessa, Michigan, Philip Spitzley celebrated his 95th birthday with a surprise display of 95 snowmen crafted by family and friends. Despite the cold, community spirit and creative responses to the winter weather stood out.