Weather forecasters and public bodies issued health and power loss warnings Tuesday as a “rare winter storm” gripped part of the southern and eastern U.S.
“A bitterly cold airmass will remain in place for much of the South and eastern U.S. over the next couple of days,” the National Weather Service said early Tuesday in a forecast as it advised the public about the prospect of heavy snow, freezing rain and a “significant winter storm.”
Several states have declared emergencies, with temperatures expected to be 20 to 30 degrees below the Janu average for most locations, forecasters said. The mercury is set to dip to single-digits in some part of the Midwest.
“Many record lows are possible Wednesday morning, especially along the Gulf Coast and into the Tennessee Valley,” the NWS said.
The potentially historic storm has prompted officials to issue rare warnings that are more common to those living in the north. People have been urged to avoid travel, make sure their cars are winterized and prevent pipes from freezing.
Officials also warned of “long-lasting power outages” and ice accumulation that could down trees and power lines. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas issued a transmission emergency advisory in south and southeast Texas.
