Natural gas prices soared more than 20% on Wednesday. This spike is attributed to an Arctic cold front forecasted to impact the Upper Midwest and much of the United States.
As demand for heating rises, the increase in prices reflects the urgency of the situation.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that wind chills could fall to as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit in the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains.
Such extreme temperatures pose life-threatening risks of hypothermia and frostbite to anyone exposed to the cold. People are advised to stay indoors and protect their skin from frostbite.
Heavy snowfall is forecast to begin on Friday, January 19, 2025, affecting the southern high plains of Colorado and New Mexico.
Along with snow, a major ice storm is predicted to hit Texas on the same night. This storm is expected to extend through the Deep South and the Carolinas into the weekend, leading to hazardous travel conditions and potential power outages due to downed trees and power lines.
As the cold front moves east, frigid sub-zero and single-digit temperatures are anticipated to reach the Ohio Valley and Northeast by Sunday, January 21, 2025.
The NWS has advised that due to the extensive nature and long duration of this winter storm, it will take longer for snow and ice to melt after the event. Residents should prepare for potentially extended impacts, which could last for several days.
The NWS urges families to protect their pets from the extreme cold. With power outages a possibility due to the storm, it is crucial for residents to have a plan in place.
The combination of heavy snow and freezing temperatures may lead to dangerous conditions, and being prepared is essential to ensure safety during this winter weather event.
