New York City is bracing for a severe polar vortex that promises to deliver heavy snowfall followed by frigid arctic cold.
According to the New York Post, The city anticipates up to six inches of snow by Sunday evening, into dangerously low temperatures and wind chills possibly reaching 15 degrees below zero.
A significant winter storm set to hit the northeast region by noon Sunday. As the system moves in, snow will likely accumulate rapidly in New York City, possibly reaching up to six inches by nightfall.
The last similar event occurred on December 16, 2020, when New York City experienced comparable snowfall. Forecasters predict that the impending storm could bring the most extreme cold the city has seen in a generation, worsened by strong wind gusts of 10 to 20 mph that will continue through mid-week.
After the snow accumulation, temperatures are expected to plummet to the low teens, with bitter wind chills making it feel much colder. By Monday night, New Yorkers will face wind chills as low as minus 15 degrees, posing significant health risks if they do not take proper precautions.
In response to the forecast, New York City officials have issued a "Code Blue" cold weather alert. This activates additional measures to ensure that vulnerable populations, such as the homeless, are provided with immediate access to shelter.
Emergency teams are set to canvass all boroughs, working to ensure that those most at risk are not left without refuge from the frigid conditions. Mayor Eric Adams has also urged residents to minimize outdoor activities, recommending the use of public transportation to reduce exposure to the cold and facilitate snow-clearing efforts.
The upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday will aid in these efforts, as public schools and several offices will close, reducing usual weekday traffic and activities.
Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol highlighted the seriousness of the conditions brought by the polar vortex. “We urge all New Yorkers to take this storm seriously and prepare for hazardous conditions," he stated.
Authorities advise residents to stay indoors if possible and ensure their heating systems function. The city has also prepared to handle a surge in calls regarding heating issues and reminds residents to report any heat or hot water problems through the 311 service. In addition to immediate cold threats, meteorologists worry about another potential winter storm that could hit the region the following week, further complicating the existing weather-related challenges.
The brutal cold will affect roughly 300 million Americans, extending a wave of Arctic air from Siberia across at least 20 states. In some areas like the Midwest and Ohio River Valley, temperatures may plunge even lower, reaching chilling marks as severe as minus 50 degrees.
The severe weather conditions have also impacted major events beyond New York’s boundaries. Due to the extreme cold, President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration scheduled for Monday will take place indoors, marking the first indoor inauguration in 40 years since Ronald Reagan’s swearing-in in 1985, which was also historically cold.
Furthermore, the NFL playoff game scheduled in Philadelphia on Sunday may see disruptions. Expectations of low visibility and snow accumulation on the field could severely impact the game day experience.
Meteorologists like Cody Braud and Alex DaSilva have commented on the conditions, noting both the unusual cold and the risk it poses. Braud emphasized, "The cold will be even more dangerous than the snow," and DaSilva pointed out that this could be "one of the coldest presidential inaugurations since Ronald Reagan was sworn into office in 1985."
As New York and the broader Northeast brace for the oncoming winter onslaught, officials continue to prioritize public safety and the continuous monitoring of this potentially historic winter weather event.
