Published: Less than 20 min ago
A “bomb cyclone” is approaching the United States.
50 million Americans are now covered by severe weather warnings ahead of the storm.
Traveling before the Christmas celebrations can be “extremely dangerous and life-threatening”, according to the authorities.
The authorities in the United States are warning that a “bomb cyclone” may strike the country in the coming days. The storm is moving down from Canada and is expected to cause a lot of trouble for Americans traveling for Christmas.
Snow, strong winds and “life-threatening cold” down to minus 40 degrees are expected in the northern and eastern United States, writes the Washington Post.
Canceled or delayed flights are expected in Chicago, Detroit, Cincinnati, Charlotte, Washington, New York and Boston, according to the warnings.
Travel could become “extremely hazardous and life-threatening, especially in light of the bitterly cold temperatures during the storm,” according to the Chicago Weather Service. The equivalent in Minneapolis says it could be a life-threatening situation.
Travelers are advised to keep a close eye on the weather before setting out.
Once per generation
Out on the roads, low temperatures and lightning sleet can become a danger for car travelers. The combination of snow and wind will make visibility between laps almost non-existent, according to the newspaper.
Authorities have also warned that households may lose power. In addition, the cold and wind pose a direct danger to people who are outside.
“Cold winds of this magnitude can cause frostbite in less than five minutes if care is not taken. Hypothermia is also possible if you are exposed to the cold for a long time,” read the weather service’s warning on Tuesday.
The storm is expected to reach its maximum strength starting Thursday evening and 50 million Americans are covered by the weather warnings. The storm extends over approximately 1,600 kilometers.
It is when the low pressure comes closer to the ground that the so-called “bomb cyclone” is expected to strike. According to the National Weather Service NWS, the event is something that only happens once in a generation.