Bomb cyclone: Winter storm could cause frostbite in 10 minutes as states of emergency declared
Rachel Schilke
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Wind chills and frigid temperatures of close to -40F are prompting weather services to release warnings of frostbite within 10 minutes as Winter Storm Elliott begins to sweep across the United States.
The winter storm, dubbed a “bomb cyclone,” will bring with it blizzard conditions and heavy snowfall across several Midwestern states. Brutally cold and forceful winds are expected to strike parts of Texas and the East Coast over the coming days, as well.
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Around 18 inches of snow is expected to fall in some areas, with strong winds up to 55 mph, bringing dangerous conditions both on and off the roads. Wind chills are sitting at an average between -25F and -40F for most Midwestern states, which are expected to begin late Thursday and carry into Friday night.
The cities of Des Moines, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit, Buffalo, Indianapolis, Cleveland, New York, and Boston are expected to be hit the hardest.
Chicago is in for a dangerously cold weekend, with wind gusts of 55 mph bringing wind chills that will make temperatures feel like -35F, potentially causing power outages. Blizzard conditions are expected to begin Thursday and continue into Friday night, with below-freezing temperatures settling in for Christmas Eve and Day.
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Several airlines are offering vouchers for travelers that will waive travel change fees should a passenger want to modify or cancel their trip. Almost 113 million people are expected to be traveling for the holiday season, according to AAA.
The National Weather Service said the storm hit the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies sometime on Tuesday, landing in the Midwest on Thursday.