Severe Cold Weather Grips the Eastern U.S. Amid Bomb Cyclone
A significant cold snap has enveloped much of the eastern United States, stretching from the Gulf Coast to New England. Triggered by a bomb cyclone, this weather phenomenon has brought heavy snowfall, widespread flight cancellations, and continued power outages impacting thousands who are still recovering from last week’s ice storm.
Widespread Cold Advisories
On Sunday, approximately 150 million individuals were under cold weather advisories and extreme cold warnings across the eastern U.S. Notably, meteorologist Peter Mullinax from the Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland, highlighted that South Florida is experiencing its coldest temperatures since December 1989.
Impact on Florida’s Wildlife and Agriculture
The Tampa-St. Petersburg region in Florida recorded temperatures that left iguanas immobilized on the ground, a common response to cold weather as these reptiles go into a dormant state. If the cold persists for more than a day, they may face deadly consequences.
Moreover, the frosty conditions have also taken a toll on agriculture, with ice forming on strawberries and oranges. To mitigate damage, Florida farmers sometimes resort to spraying water on fruit trees and berry plants as a protective measure against the chill.
Snow Accumulation in North Carolina
The bomb cyclone, characterized by its rapid intensification, has deposited nearly 30 centimeters (about 1 foot) of snow in and around Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina. In eastern North Carolina, areas like James City reported up to 45 centimeters (18 inches) of snow, while Swansboro noted 43 centimeters (17 inches), according to the National Weather Service.
Travel Disruptions
As a result of the severe weather conditions, flight cancellations exceeded 2,800 nationwide on Saturday, with another 1,500 on Sunday. Data from FlightAware revealed that around 800 of those cancellations were tied to flights at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Conclusion
The eastern U.S. is facing a challenging bout of wintry weather, significantly affecting daily life, from travel to agricultural practices. As communities cope with the fallout from heavy snow and extreme cold, staying informed about weather developments remains crucial.
- Severe cold weather and a bomb cyclone have impacted the eastern U.S.
- 150 million people are under cold weather advisories.
- South Florida has recorded its coldest temperatures since 1989.
- Thousands of flights have been canceled due to adverse weather conditions.