Historic Cold Continues across Eastern U.S.

Dangerously low temperatures affecting much of the eastern U.S.

Historic cold with dangerously low temperatures impacting much of the eastern half of the U.S., with many locations experiencing temperatures as low as 45 degrees below average, and some records threatened, said the National Weather Service (NWS).

A massive surge of arctic air later this week will impact most of the U.S., as another cold front slides south from Canada, said NWS.

“There are indications that this could be some of the coldest weather since the mid-1990s for some parts of the Southeast U.S., Mid-Atlantic, and central Appalachians. An eddy of the polar vortex will add to the potency of the surface cold front, thus creating a deep layer of bitterly cold air. Highs on Thursday and Friday will struggle to get out of the teens for many of these areas, and overnight lows could reach zero degrees or even lower in some places! Wind chill advisories and warnings are currently in effect. The overnight lows on Thursday night will be the coldest in those areas where the wind goes calm, allowing for additional
radiational cooling.”

• Historic cold impacting eastern U.S. through Friday.
• Another storm system developing over the southern U.S.
• Dangerous wind chills are forecast from the northern Plains to the Gulf Coast.
• Temperatures will be as low as 45 degrees below average for much of region.
• Heavy snow is forecast for parts of Northern New England.
• Rain/freezing rain and sleet could affect parts of the Lower/Middle
  Mississippi Valley/Tennessee Valley.

Low temperature ending February 19, 2015 (NWS).

National High and Low Temperature (for the contiguous United States)
Issued 7 am EST Thursday, February 19, 2015

High Temperature for Wednesday, February 18, 2015
29.4ºC (85 degrees F) at Thermal, CA

Low Temperature for Thursday, February 19, 2015
-40.5ºC (-41 degrees F) at Embarrass, MN
NWS Weather Prediction Center, College Park, MD

[Temperature spread: 70ºC (126 degrees F), as calculated by FIRE-EARTH]

Arctic Déjà vu: Giga Blasts to Affect 250 Million in 40 States

EXTREME CLIMATIC & WEATHER EVENTS
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Potentially deadly Arctic air to affect 250 million in U.S. —FIRE-EARTH

Massive pulses of brutally cold Arctic air are sinking southward from Canada into the central and eastern U.S., affecting the western High Plains to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast U.S. for the next few days, said NWS. “Widespread subzero overnight lows are forecast for the Dakotas, Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and interior New England.”

Temperatures will be as much as 30 degrees (F) below average for parts of the Plains, Mississippi Valley, and Ohio Valley…

• Hard Freeze Warnings, Freeze Warnings and multiples of other Weather Hazard Warnings, Watches and Advisories are in effect throughout the eastern two-thirds of the country, extending into the deep South and spanning along almost the entire Gulf Coast.

• Up to 250 million people in 40 states could be affected by the Arctic blasts, according to FIRE-EARTH Models.

U.S. Freezes!

DISASTERS CAUSED BY CLIMATE CHANGE
EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS
PARALYZING WINTER STORM
STATE OF EMERGENCY
SCENARIOS  887, 785, 666, 560, [500,] 444, 187, 177, 157, 111, 078, 063, 027, 023, 02
.

NY Declares State of Emergency Amid Deadly Snowstorm

All 50 U.S. states experience freezing temperatures or colder weather as a polar vortex pushes arctic air across the country.

Every U.S. state, including Hawaii, saw temperatures plunge to freezing point or lower on Tuesday, said the National Weather Service (NWS).

State of Emergency Declared in New York

The arctic blast also prompted NY governor to declare a state of emergency in western and central New York due to heavy snow.

The counties included in the executive order are Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Franklin, Genesee, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, Wyoming, and contiguous counties.

“This storm may persist until Friday morning with the potential for another two feet of snow,” said Cuomo, dispatching the National Guard. “New Yorkers in these areas should exercise extreme caution, and stay off the roads until conditions are clearer and safer.”

Up to 1.2 meters of snow is forecast for large swathes of western New York, while several areas could receive as much as 1.8 meters, said NWS.

Deadly Snowstorm

“Four people have died as a result of the snowstorm. Three of them succumbed, apparently from heart problems, two of them while shoveling the deep snow. Another was killed while attempting to push a car out of a drift,” said a report.

Surreal Storm

A New York highway superintendent called the snowstorm “surreal.”

“I’ve been here 33 years and this is one of the top ones,” he told The Buffalo News. “It’s surreal … this is one of the worst I’ve seen.”

Historic Event
“This will be a historic event. Absolutely. It is a historic event,” said a forecaster with NWS.

National High and Low Temperature (for the contiguous United States)
NWS Weather Prediction Center, College Park, MD
Issued 7 pm EST Tuesday, November 18, 2014

High Temperature for Tuesday, November 18, 2014

• 28°C (83 degrees F) at Homestead AFB, FL

Low Temperature for Tuesday, November 18, 2014

• -30°C (-22 degrees F) at Lamar Ranger Station, WY

Related Links

• First Paralyzing Winter Storm Arrives November 15, 2014
• 40 Degrees Below Average November 11, 2014
• Polar Vortex to Scythe through the U.S.  Nov. 10, 2014

First Paralyzing Winter Storm Arrives

DISASTERS CAUSED BY CLIMATE CHANGE
EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS
PARALYZING WINTER STORM
SCENARIOS  887, 785, 666, 560, [500,] 444, 187, 177, 157, 111, 078, 063, 027, 023, 02
.

Arctic blast continues across much of the US: NWS

First major winter storm of the 2014/15 hitting the Rockies

A January-like weather pattern is forecast to continue across most of the US, with
another arctic surface high moving south from Canada, said NWS forecasters, reinforcing the freezing air mass already in place . . . “unseasonably cold temperatures will fall even further this weekend, and the cold temperatures will persist for most of the central and eastern U.S.”

The first significant winter storm for the central Rockies and intermountain West is underway and bringing heavy snow to the higher elevations and a wintry mix to the valley locations. Parts of Oregon and Idaho have already seen significant snow and ice accumulations from this event, and winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories are in effect from Oregon to the Colorado Rockies. [NWS]

The cold weather is forecast to affect the Deep South, with sub-freezing overnight lows from eastern Texas to the southeast coast, said the forecasters.

National High and Low Temperature (for the contiguous United States)
NWS Weather Prediction Center, College Park, MD – Issued 7 pm EST Friday, November 14, 2014

High Temperature for Friday, November 14, 2014

• 29°C (84 degrees F) at Pembroke Pines, FL

Low Temperature for Friday, November 14, 2014

• -31°C (-24 degrees F) at Jordan, MT
• -31°C (-24 degrees F) at 12 miles north of Hingham, MT

Related Links

40 Degrees Below Average

Images of the Day:

Temps as much as 40 degrees below average from the Rockies to the Plains

Unseasonably cold temperatures brought by a polar vortex [arctic airmass] will continue to surge southward through the central U.S. Temperatures are forecast to drop by ass much as 40 degrees below climate average for areas east of the Rockies into the Great Plains: NWS/NOAA

Great Falls, Montana – Great Falls International Airport (KGTF)

Temperature: -20°C [-4°F]
Humidity: 86%
Wind Speed: SW 7 MPH
Barometer: 1044.0 mb [30.53 in]
Dewpoint: -22°C [-7°F]
Wind Chill: -18°F (-28°C)
Tuesday Night Forecast Low: -26°C [-15 °F]

• Wind chill values:  as low as -35°C [-31 °F]

Last Update by NWS on 11 Nov 7:53 am MST

 Related Links

• Polar Vortex to Scythe through the U.S.  November 10, 2014

⊆⊗⊇

June 27th Lava Flow Ignites First Home in Pahoa, Hawaii

Active lava has moved to within about 20 meters (22 yards) of the transfer station fence and also continued to expand through private property across the street from the station. At 11:55 AM, HST, an unoccupied home on that lot was set on fire by advancing lava. Source: HVO

Helicopter view looking west across the lower part of the June 27th lava flow. Smoke plumes show areas of active lava breakouts. The transfer station is in the middle of the image (white roofed structures). At upper left, smoke rises from the margin of a new, northeastward directed finger of lava. Source: HVO

 Related Links

• Kilauea Lava Flow Could Affect Thousands on Hawaiʻi Island  September 5, 2014
• Lava Flow from Kilauea Advancing AGAIN on Big Island Communities October 7, 2014
• Kīlauea Lava Flow Consuming Everything Along Its Paths October 27, 2014
• Lava Flow Nearing Residences in Pāhoa, Hawaii October 28, 2014
• Lava Enters Two Residences in Pāhoa October 29, 2014
• Federal Disaster Declared due to Hawaii Eruption, Lava Flow November 4, 2014
• ‘Misunderestimated’ November 9, 2014

Polar Vortex to Scythe through the U.S.

The Big Freeze could affect up to 220 million people across 44 states in the U.S.

Wind chill values of up to -35°F forecast this week

US Temperatures are forecast to plunge by as much as 30 degrees below average over parts of the Northern Plains.

The coldest weather of the season is expected to arrive in the next couple of days for the northern Rockies and northern Plains as a cold airmass moves out of Canada. Significant snowfall is likely for parts of the northern Rockies, northern Plains and Great Lakes region as the cold front moves southward. Winter Storm Watches, Warnings and Advisories are in place highlighting the associated risks.

A winter storm will bring heavy snow and gusty winds to portions of Northland today and tonight. The bulk of the snow, and best chance for totals in excess of 8 inches, will be along and south of a line from generally Duluth, MN to Brainerd, MN and across all of northern Wisconsin.

Additional snow will persist across the snow-belt region of northern Wisconsin through at least Wednesday, due to the cool north winds over Lake Superior. [NWS]

National High and Low Temperature (for the contiguous United States)
NWS Weather Prediction Center, College Park, MD
Issued 7 am EST Monday, November 10, 2014 (Last Update on 10 Nov 5:53 am MST)

Low Temperature for Monday, November 10, 2014
1ºF at Great Falls, MT

Humidity: 91%
Wind Speed: SW 6 MPH
Barometer: 30.09 in (1027.0 mb)
Dewpoint: -1°F (-18°C)
Visibility: 9.00 mi
Wind Chill: -11°F (-24°C)

High Temperature for Sunday, November 9, 2014
91ºF  at Yuma, AZ
91ºF  at Elsinore, CA

Arctic Blast from the Past

Typical polar vortex configuration in November 14-16, 2013. NOAA

Wavy polar vortex configuration on January 5, 2014. NOAA

Dangerous wind chills are expected beginning late Monday night through at least Wednesday! Wind chill values are expected to drop to -10°F to -20°F in many areas, and prolonged exposure to these conditions could lead to frostbite or hypothermia. The coldest wind chill values are expected Tuesday night through Wednesday morning and valleys near the Continental Divide could see wind chill values locally up to -35°F. 

Areas along the snowbelt region of northern Wisconsin can expect snowfall totals on the 20 inches or more by Thursday.  [NWS]

States of Emergency Declared in Virginia, Arkansas

EXTREME WEATHER AND CLIMATIC EVENTS
DEADLY SNOW AND ICE STORMS
STATES OF EMERGENCY
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Deadly winter storm prompts State of Emergency declarations in Virgina, Arkansas…

The states of Emergency declarations followed similar proclamations by governors in the states of Delaware, New Jersey, Mississippi and Tennessee.

Virginia

Gov. McAulliffe declared a state of emergency as yet another deadly winter storm bore down on Virginia, forcing school closings and flight cancellations.

The National Weather Service (NWS) had forecast up to 10 inches of snow accumulations in northern Virginia.

Arkansas

Gov. Beebe declared a state of emergency for Arkansas after ice and snow blanketed much of the state on Monday.

Beebe said the severe storm had “caused great damage to private property and public facilities in various jurisdictions in Arkansas.”

Flight Cancellation and Delays
About 5,500 flight cancellations have been reported within, into, or out of the United States between Saturday and Monday (so far), in addition to more than 17,000 delays due to the massive storm system.

Hundreds more cancellations were reported for Tuesday, as of posting.

Deadly Storm
Road crashes due to icy conditions have left a number of people dead including a 13-year-old girl in southwest Missouri on Sunday, and a 32-year-old woman in Colorado, who was killed in a 120-vehicle pileup near Denver on Saturday, while scores of others were reportedly injured.

Other road deaths were reported in  Oklahoma Texas, Tennessee and Virginia on Monday.

Record or Near Record Cold

Freezing weather from the Canadian border into Texas Monday plunged the mercury to record or near record lows in several places.

Daily Weather Records
Daily Weather Records previously provided by NOAA at National Climatic data Center website are NO longer available.

National Low and High Temperature
(for the contiguous United States)
Issued by NWS Weather Prediction Center at 7 pm EST Monday, March 3, 2014

• Low:   -40ºC (-40 degrees) at Embarrass, MN
• High: 29.4ºC (85 degrees) at Vero Beach, FL

Temperature spread 69.4ºC (125 degrees).

Compare:

National Low and High Temperature – Issued 7 pm EST Tuesday, January 21, 2014

• Low: -38ºC (-37 degrees) at Embarrass, MN
• High: 29ºC  (84 degrees) at Camarillo, CA

Temperature spread for Jan. 21 was 67ºC (121 degrees).

On January 7, 2014 FIRE-EARTH said [Google and WordPress censored]:

FIRE-EARTH Models show more Extreme Weather Events could wreak havoc across North America in the coming days and weeks.

• More Extreme Weather Events to Hit North America

Related Links

• Polar Déjà vu   January 22, 2014
• States of Emergency Declared in Multiple States March 3, 2014

Never Mind the Salt, Propane Shortage Biting Hard

EXTREME WEATHER & CLIMATIC EVENTS
STATE OF EMERGENCY
NATIONWIDE PROPANE SHORTAGE
.

States of Emergency for regional propane shortages extended by FMCSA

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) extended on Wednesday the regional States of Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions & Permits for transporting propane throughout the United States.

A total of at least 36 states and District of Columbia are currently impacted by shortages of propane and other heating fuels.

States covered by the emergency declarations include:

• Western Service Center: North Dakota and South Dakota
• Southern Service Center: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee
• Eastern Service Center: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia
• Midwestern Service Center: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin

Part 1 of Emergency Declaration Extension issued by FMCSA Midwestern Service Center is reprinted below for reference.

Energy Emergency

• Deadly Winter Storm Prompts States of Emergency in Georgia, Carolinas  January 29, 2014

• States of Emergency Declared in Alabama, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi …  January 28, 2014

• Wisconsin Declares State of Emergency over Extreme Cold, Fuel Shortage January 26, 2014
• Louisiana Declares 2nd State of Emergency due to Dangerous Cold January 25, 2014
• State of Emergency Declared for Louisiana January 24, 2014

• Energy Emergency Declared for Alabama January 24, 2014
• Tennessee Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 22, 2014
• Ohio Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 20, 2014
• State of Emergency Declared in Oklahoma due to Propane Shortage January 8, 2014

State of Disaster Emergency Declared in Kansas

YOU THOUGHT WE’RE KIDDING
EXTREME WEATHER & CLIMATIC EVENTS
STATE OF DISASTER EMERGENCY
.

Kansas declared a disaster area as deadly snow storm threatens two-thirds of the U.S.

Gov. Brownback has signed a state of disaster emergency declaration for Kansas for the entire state in response to a deadly storm, which continues to batter Kansas as it moves through the state.

“We still have some of the most difficult conditions ahead of us as the snowfall is followed by heavy winds and bitterly cold temperatures,” said Brownback. “Travel will remain treacherous and temperatures will be dangerously cold.”

National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple hazard warnings for about two-thirds of the United States as more than 150 million people are impacted by the storm.

Major Winter Storm Continues to Move East

A major winter storm will continue to move east into Wednesday with multiple hazards including: heavy snow from central Kansas through the Ohio Valley and Northeast; heavy ice accumulation from Arkansas into the Ohio River Valley and Mid-Atlantic; and heavy rainfall with possible flooding for parts of the Ohio and Tennessee River Valleys.

U.S. Weather Hazards Map (Hazmap)  for Wednesday, February 5, 2014. Issued at 02:44UTC. Source: NWS. UPDATE

• A major winter storm moving across the Midwest eastward through the Northeast followed by another plunge of Arctic air [polar vortex III] into the heart of the U.S.

• Flash flooding in the Tennessee Valley could occur due to heavy rain can  ahead of a cold front

• Another winter storm is shaping up in the center of the nation and will spread eastward into the Northeast during the short-range forecast period.

• A massive surge of frigid air from the Arctic that is following this storm system will lower temperatures by more than 40 degrees below normal in the High Plains.

“Kansas City and eastern Kansas is going to get a lot of snow,” said a meteorologist at the NWS Storm Prediction Center. “It’s remarkable weather. Winter is entrenched. It doesn’t appear to be wanting to go anywhere.”

A Foot of Snow in Kansas: “Unprecedented Event”

Kansas City had received about 8 inches of snow by late Tuesday, as forecasters  warned of up to a foot of snow across  more than two dozen states that are so far impacted by the deadly storm.

This event is unprecedented because only about 3 percent of the winter storms that hit Kansas City dump more than 6 inches of snow, Reuters reported another NWS meteorologist as saying.

At least two people were killed on Tuesday in a weather-related car crash in Kansas, one of hundreds of road collisions across Kansas and Missouri,  officials said.

Flight Cancellation and Delays

More than 5,000 flights into, within, or out of the United States have been canceled since Sunday, and at least 14,000 others delayed (source flight aware.com), impacting an estimated 2 million air travelers.

Related Links

• State of Emergency Declared in New Jersey on February 4, 2014

States of Emergency Declared in Alabama, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi …

A NOTE to our readers, if any, in the states of Alabama, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin as well as everyone else who knows someone in those states:

Send a copy of this post to your state governor and ask them whether they were/are allowed to receive FIRE-EARTH forecasts…

.

EXTREME CLIMATIC & WEATHER EVENTS
STATES OF EMERGENCY
ENERGY EMERGENCY
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UNPRECEDENTED Winter Storm in Deep South Spawned by Massive Arctic Front

Massive air mass from North Pole continues to create life-threatening wind chills levels as high winds push the brutal cold across the U.S. upper Midwest, forcing officials in numerous states to close schools, offices, road and river traffic.

About 4,000 flights have been canceled and thousands more delayed within, into, or out of the United States Sunday through Tuesday according to flightaware.com

STATES of EMERGENCY

The governors in the states of Alabama, Louisiana, Minnesota and  Mississippi  have declared states of emergency due to the threats posed by unprecedented winter storm and or propane and other heating fuel shortage. Other states  could also declare states of emergency as the life-threatening conditions continue.

Louisiana: Gov. Jindal declared a state of emergency Monday, his third proclamation in two weeks, ordering the closure of state agencies in 45 parishes.

He urged Louisianians to stay off the roads over the next few days ahead of a bitter winter storm expected to bring snow, sleet and icy conditions to the state.

“The most dangerous things, the things that worry the weather experts the most, are the accumulations of ice,” said Jindal.

Alabama: Gov. Bentley declared a state of emergency in Alabama on Monday ahead of winter storm expected to batter the state with snow and ice Tuesday and Wednesday.

“This is not a normal event,” said Bentley, having earlier disclosed that “polar vortex has increased the number of deaths throughout the nation.”

Minnesota: Gov. Dayton declared a state of emergency for Minnesota in response to a critical shortage of propane and other home heating fuel supplies statewide.

“We’ve had some trucks here from Minnesota going all the way to Texas to get propane,” said Roger Leider, executive director of the Minnesota Propane Association (!)

The entire Midwest is experiencing a propane shortage

The supply shortage in the upper Midwest has caused delivery delays and reduced delivery amounts for propane customers in at least 33 states, including ALL Midwestern states, and  D.C., as of posting .

• Propane shortage
• DOT – Current Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions & Permits

Mississippi: Gov. Bryant has declared a State of Emergency for 36 southern counties in Mississippi ahead of the unprecedented winter storm.

The counties covered by the emergency proclamations are: Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Clarke, Copiah, Covington, Forrest, Franklin, George. Greene, Hancock. Harrison, Hinds, Jackson. Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Jasper, Jones, Lamar. Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marion, Newton, Pearl River, Perry, Pike, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, Smith, Stone, Walthall, Warren, Wayne, and Wilkinson.

On January 7, 2014 FIRE-EARTH said [but was censored by Google, WordPress and others]:

FIRE-EARTH Models show more Extreme Weather Events could wreak havoc across North America in the coming days and weeks.

• More Extreme Weather Events to Hit North America

Satellite Animation

• Real-Time U.S. Composite Satellite Animation – 7 day movie

U.S. Weather Hazards Map for January 28, 2014 @ 02:27UTC. Source: NWS. Click to Update…

NWS Forecast: Arctic Blast Drops Temperatures Across the North and Northeast; Will Bring Winter Storm to the Deep South Tuesday and Wednesday

Rare winter storm expected to impact the Deep South and Southeast. Temperatures will continue dropping behind an arctic boundary heading towards the southern U.S. Windy conditions will make temperatures across the northern Plains and Northeast feel as cold as -30F in some locations. On Tuesday, accumulating snow, sleet and ice will make for hazardous travel conditions from South Texas to the Carolinas.

Alaska

Avalanches blocked the road to the coastal town of Valdez leaving about 4,000 residents  cut off to road traffic from the rest of the state, officials said on Monday, reported Reuters.

Related Links

• Arctic Front Spawns Major Winter Storms in Deep South  January 28, 2014
• Life Threatening Wind Chills Sweep U.S. Midwest January 27, 2014
• Arctic Air Surging through Central U.S. January 27, 2014
• Polar Déjà vu January 22, 2014
• More Extreme Weather Events to Hit North America January 7, 2014

Energy Emergency

• Wisconsin Declares State of Emergency over Extreme Cold, Fuel Shortage January 26, 2014
• Louisiana Declares 2nd State of Emergency due to Dangerous Cold January 25, 2014
• State of Emergency Declared for Louisiana January 24, 2014

• Energy Emergency Declared for Alabama January 24, 2014
• Tennessee Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 22, 2014
• Ohio Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 20, 2014
• State of Emergency Declared in Oklahoma due to Propane Shortage January 8, 2014

Arctic Front Spawns Major Winter Storms in Deep South

A NOTE to our readers, if any, in the states of Alabama, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin as well as everyone else who knows someone in those states:

Send a copy of this post to your state governor and ask them whether they were/are allowed to receive FIRE-EARTH forecasts…

.

EXTREME CLIMATIC & WEATHER EVENTS
STATES OF EMERGENCY
ENERGY EMERGENCY
.

States of Emergency Declared in Alabama, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi …

Louisiana: Gov. Jindal declared a state of emergency Monday, his third proclamation in two weeks, ordering the closure of state agencies in 45 parishes.

He urged Louisianians to stay off the roads over the next few days ahead of a bitter winter storm expected to bring snow, sleet and icy conditions to the state.

“The most dangerous things, the things that worry the weather experts the most, are the accumulations of ice,” said Jindal.

Alabama: Gov. Bentley declared a state of emergency in Alabama on Monday ahead of winter storm expected to batter the state with snow and ice Tuesday and Wednesday.

“This is not a normal event,” said Bentley, having earlier disclosed that “polar vortex has increased the number of deaths throughout the nation.”

Minnesota: Gov. Dayton declared a state of emergency for Minnesota in response to a critical shortage of propane and other home heating fuel supplies statewide.

A “sun dog” atmospheric phenomenon appears over a farm in southern Minnesota, January 27, 2014. Credit: REUTERS/Eric Miller  [A sun dog, aka, parhelion, is an atmospheric phenomenon that creates bright patches of light in the sky, usually on a halo around the sun. EDITOR]

Mississippi: Gov. Bryant has declared a State of Emergency for 36 southern counties in Mississippi ahead of the unprecedented winter storm.

The counties covered by the emergency proclamations are: Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Clarke, Copiah, Covington, Forrest, Franklin, George. Greene, Hancock. Harrison, Hinds, Jackson. Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Jasper, Jones, Lamar. Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marion, Newton, Pearl River, Perry, Pike, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, Smith, Stone, Walthall, Warren, Wayne, and Wilkinson.

On January 7, 2014 FIRE-EARTH said [but was censored by Google, WordPress and others]:

FIRE-EARTH Models show more Extreme Weather Events could wreak havoc across North America in the coming days and weeks.

• More Extreme Weather Events to Hit North America

U.S. Weather Hazards Map for January 28, 2014 @ 02:27UTC. Source: NWS. Click to Update…

NWS Forecast: Arctic Blast Drops Temperatures Across the North and Northeast; Will Bring Winter Storm to the Deep South Tuesday and Wednesday

Rare winter storm expected to impact the Deep South and Southeast. Temperatures will continue dropping behind an arctic boundary heading towards the southern U.S. Windy conditions will make temperatures across the northern Plains and Northeast feel as cold as -30F in some locations. On Tuesday, accumulating snow, sleet and ice will make for hazardous travel conditions from South Texas to the Carolinas.

Alaska

Avalanches blocked the road to the coastal town of Valdez leaving about 4,000 residents  cut off to road traffic from the rest of the state, officials said on Monday, reported Reuters.

Related Links

• Propane shortage
• DOT – Current Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions & Permits

• Life Threatening Wind Chills Sweep U.S. Midwest January 27, 2014
• Arctic Air Surging through Central U.S. January 27, 2014
• Polar Déjà vu January 22, 2014
• More Extreme Weather Events to Hit North America January 7, 2014

Energy Emergency Related Links

• Wisconsin Declares State of Emergency over Extreme Cold, Fuel Shortage January 26, 2014
• Louisiana Declares 2nd State of Emergency due to Dangerous Cold January 25, 2014
• State of Emergency Declared for Louisiana January 24, 2014

• Energy Emergency Declared for Alabama January 24, 2014
• Tennessee Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 22, 2014
• Ohio Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 20, 2014
• State of Emergency Declared in Oklahoma due to Propane Shortage January 8, 2014

Life Threatening Wind Chills Sweep U.S. Midwest

EXTREME CLIMATIC & WEATHER EVENTS
.

Powerful cold front forcing frigid conditions to central and eastern U.S.

Wind Chill Warnings are in effect for more than a dozen states as a powerful cold front brings life-threatening air mass from the North Pole.

Winds of up to 50mph and subzero temperatures in the U.S.  Midwest are plunging the wind chill readings as the arctic air continues to surge into the Great Lakes region.

“The core of the cold air settles across the region tonight. This will result in low temperatures well below zero and widespread wind chill readings of 35 to 45 degrees below zero are expected through Tuesday morning. Limited outdoor activity is advised for tonight and Tuesday morning. If you must be outdoors, wear layers as well as a hat and gloves. Frostbite can develop on exposed skin in as little at 10 minutes with wind chills this low.” NWS reported.

Satellite Animation

• Real-Time U.S. Composite Satellite Animation – 7 day movie

U.S. Weather Hazards Map for January 27, 2014 @ 15:00UTC. Source: NWS. Click to Update…

The entire Midwest is experiencing a propane shortage

The supply shortage in the upper Midwest has caused delivery delays and reduced delivery amounts for propane customers in at least 33 states, including ALL Midwestern states, and  D.C., as of posting . The propane shortage has been caused by a combination of unusually cold winter temperatures, closure of a major pipeline supplying propane to Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa and increased propane demand for grain drying due to a wet fall, said the Office of Governor Scott Walker in a statement.

• Propane shortage
• DOT – Current Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions & Permits

“polar vortex has increased the number of deaths throughout the nation” —Alabama Gov

• Polar Déjà vu January 22, 2014

On January 7, 2014 FIRE-EARTH said [but was censored by Google, WordPress and others ]:

FIRE-EARTH Models show more Extreme Weather Events could wreak havoc across North America in the coming days and weeks.

• More Extreme Weather Events to Hit North America

Arctic Air Surging through Central U.S.

EXTREME CLIMATIC & WEATHER EVENTS
ENERGY EMERGENCY
.

Frigid conditions to persist in the northern Plains, Midwest, South and East amid propane shortages

Polar air mass surging into the northern Plains and Midwest will continue moving south through mid-week lowering temperatures by as much as 35 degrees. Meanwhile, icy conditions could impact a vast region from south-central Texas to the Carolinas, said NWS.

• CIVIL EMERGENCY MESSAGES

• Temperatures are forecast to plunge by as much as 35 degrees below average over the Upper Midwest to the Ohio Valley/Great Lakes

• Sleet, snow and icy conditions forecast for parts of southeastern Texas

A clipper system along the leading edge of significantly cold air mass
will move rapidly northeastward to Southeastern Canada by Monday night. The associated cold front will race off the East Coast and Gulf Coast by Monday night.

A cold area of high pressure over West-Central Canada will move southward to the Ohio Valley by Tuesday. NWS

Satellite Animation

• Real-Time U.S. Composite Satellite Animation – 7 day movie

U.S. Weather Hazards Map for January 27, 2014 @ 02:44UTC. Source: NWS. Click to Update…

The entire Midwest is experiencing a propane shortage

The supply shortage in the upper Midwest has caused delivery delays and reduced delivery amounts for propane customers in at least 33 states, including ALL Midwestern states, and  D.C., as of posting . The propane shortage has been caused by a combination of unusually cold winter temperatures, closure of a major pipeline supplying propane to Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa and increased propane demand for grain drying due to a wet fall, said the Office of Governor Scott Walker in a statement.

National Heating Fuel Shortages

“Last week, the U.S. Department of Energy reported that cold weather led to record-high natural gas storage withdrawals, as well as propane.  These are the largest drawdowns in the 20-year history of the survey and the second time this year the record has been broken. Efforts are underway with the U.S. Department of Energy to acknowledge that emergency conditions could be forming, as consumers and businesses in dozens of state are faced with higher electricity and gas costs due to persistent cold weather,”  said the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) in its latest Statement on Propane Supply, Demand, and Distribution.

Some of the propane gas retailers have run out of supplies in the worst hit areas in the South, East and Midwest, said NPGA.

Propane shortage

The price of propane, a liquefied petroleum gas, soared to $4.30 – $5.0 a gallon on Friday, more than double its price a week ago, Reuters reported.

The crisis caused by record-breaking freeze coincides with pipeline outages and low inventories, has already led to fuel rationing in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, said the report.

“We could be sitting in this situation to spring,” said the Wisconsin Propane Gas Association.

Polar Vortex

“polar vortex has increased the number of deaths throughout the nation,” declared Alabama Gov. earlier this week.

US-DOT: Current – Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions & Permits

In addition to the State of Emergency in Louisiana, numerous other states of emergencies and/or executive orders, wavers and exemptions have been issued  for 33 states in the U.S. South, East and Midwest and District of Columbia, according to the Department of Transportation.

Separately, the following Emergencies are currently in effect:

Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Southern Service Center (PDF)

Affected States: Louisiana, Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Oklahoma.  (Effective Date:  1/21/2014 – In effect for the duration of the emergency or until 2/11/2014, whichever is less).

Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Eastern Service Center (PDF)

Affected States: Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont and West Virginia.  (Effective from 1/19/2014 In effect for the duration of the emergency or until 2/11/2014, whichever is less).

Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Midwestern Service Center (PDF)

Affected States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin.   (Effective from 1/19/2014 In effect for the duration of the emergency or until 2/11/2014, whichever is less).

Energy Emergency Related Links

• Wisconsin Declares State of Emergency over Extreme Cold, Fuel Shortage January 26, 2014
• Louisiana Declares 2nd State of Emergency due to Dangerous Cold January 25, 2014
• State of Emergency Declared for Louisiana January 24, 2014

• Energy Emergency Declared for Alabama January 24, 2014
• Tennessee Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 22, 2014
• Ohio Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 20, 2014
• State of Emergency Declared in Oklahoma due to Propane Shortage January 8, 2014

Polar Vortex: “polar vortex has increased the number of deaths throughout the nation” —Alabama Gov

• Polar Déjà vu January 22, 2014

On January 7, 2014 FIRE-EARTH said [but was censored by Google, WordPress and others ]:

FIRE-EARTH Models show more Extreme Weather Events could wreak havoc across North America in the coming days and weeks.

• More Extreme Weather Events to Hit North America

Louisiana Declares 2nd State of Emergency due to Dangerous Cold

EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENTS
STATE OF EMERGENCY
.

Jindal declares 2nd State of Emergency for Louisiana due to brutal cold

Louisiana Gov. Jindal declared a second state of emergency for Louisiana on Friday (January 24) after National Weather Service (NWS) issued freeze warnings and hard freeze warnings for parishes across the Pelican State. The first state of emergency, proclaimed on January 22 was  to facilitate uninterrupted deliveries of propane and other heating fuels in Louisiana and out of state, as millions of people experienced propane shortages amid the brutal cold across wide swathes of the United States.

State of Emergency

Parts of the governor’s State of Emergency Declaration read as follows

National Weather Service predicts that the dangerously frigid temperatures currently affecting the central and eastern United States will impact the southern states through the weekend, creating hazardous winter weather conditions throughout the State … the National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories, freeze warnings and hard freeze warnings for parishes across the State for the next twenty-four hours making driving conditions hazardous … State offices have been closed in thirty-eight parishes and schools have been closed in thirty-seven parishes due to the hazards  posed by this extreme winter weather, and these winter weather conditions threaten the lives and property of the citizens of the State of Louisiana …

Propane shortage

The price of propane, a liquefied petroleum gas, soared to $4.30 – $5.0 a gallon on Friday, more than double its price a week ago, Reuters reported.

The crisis caused by record-breaking freeze coincides with pipeline outages and low inventories, has already led to fuel rationing in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, said the report.

“We could be sitting in this situation to spring,” said the Wisconsin Propane Gas Association.

Polar Vortex

“polar vortex has increased the number of deaths throughout the nation,” declared Alabama Gov. earlier this week.

Related Links

• State of Emergency Declared for Louisiana January 24, 2014

• Energy Emergency Declared for Alabama January 24, 2014
• Tennessee Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 22, 2014
• Ohio Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 20, 2014
• State of Emergency Declared in Oklahoma due to Propane Shortage January 8, 2014

State of Emergency Declared for Louisiana

EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENTS
ENERGY EMERGENCY
.

Louisiana declares a State of Emergency due to extreme cold temperatures

Gov. Jindal has declared a state of emergency due to the extreme cold temperatures impacting citizens of Louisiana and the rest of the country, according to a statement issued by Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP).

The emergency order will allow for the uninterrupted delivery of propane and heating fuels across Louisiana and to other states, said the statement.

“Louisiana is a key producer and exporter of propane and heating fuel products.  State agencies are now authorized to take appropriate actions to ensure these products can be delivered in Louisiana and other states,” said the statement.

State offices in 32 Louisiana parishes to remain closed Friday

State offices in 32 Louisiana parishes will remain closed Friday in anticipation of power outages and hazardous driving conditions.

Louisiana Commissioner of Administration announced today that state government offices will be closed on Friday, January 24, in the following parishes across Louisiana where hazardous driving conditions and scattered power outages are forecast for the morning due to a mix of rain and sleet, as well as snow and ice accumulation:

Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Catahoula, East Baton Rouge, Evangeline, Grant, Iberia, Iberville, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, LaSalle, Livingston, Natchitoches, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, St. Helena, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, Vermilion, Vernon, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana, and Winn.

National Heating Fuel Shortages

“Last week, the U.S. Department of Energy reported that cold weather led to record-high natural gas storage withdrawals, as well as propane.  These are the largest drawdowns in the 20-year history of the survey and the second time this year the record has been broken. Efforts are underway with the U.S. Department of Energy to acknowledge that emergency conditions could be forming, as consumers and businesses in dozens of state are faced with higher electricity and gas costs due to persistent cold weather,”  said the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) in its latest Statement on Propane Supply, Demand, and Distribution.

Some of the propane gas retailers have run out of supplies in the worst hit areas in the South, East and Midwest, said NPGA.

US-DOT: Current – Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions & Permits

In addition to the State of Emergency in Louisiana, numerous other states of emergencies and/or executive orders, wavers and exemptions have been issued  for 33 states in the U.S. South, East and Midwest and District of Columbia, according to the Department of Transportation.

The following Emergencies are currently in effect:

Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Southern Service Center (PDF)

Affected States: Louisiana, Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Oklahoma.  (Effective Date:  1/21/2014 – In effect for the duration of the emergency or until 2/11/2014, whichever is less).

Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Eastern Service Center (PDF)

Affected States: Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont and West Virginia.  (Effective from 1/19/2014 In effect for the duration of the emergency or until 2/11/2014, whichever is less).

Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Midwestern Service Center (PDF)

Affected States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin.   (Effective from 1/19/2014 In effect for the duration of the emergency or until 2/11/2014, whichever is less).

Related Links

• Energy Emergency Declared for Alabama January 24, 2014
• Tennessee Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 22, 2014
• Ohio Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 20, 2014
• State of Emergency Declared in Oklahoma due to Propane Shortage January 8, 2014

Energy Emergency Declared for Alabama

EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENTS
ENERGY EMERGENCY
.

“polar vortex has increased the number of deaths throughout the nation” —Alabama Gov

Gov. Bentley has declared a State of Emergency for all Alabama counties due to the threat of a propane shortage amid extreme winter weather in the southern U.S.

State of Emergency

Part of Bentley’s State of Emergency Declaration read:

The current prediction of the national Weather Service demonstrate the potential for the entire State of Alabama to be severely affected by extreme and prolonged subfreezing temperatures, with the chance of ice and snow beginning on January 23, 2014. This emergency declaration is in response to the extreme cold experienced by throughout Alabama from the polar vortex and the possible continuing effects of the arctic cold on people and property, including an immediate threat to human life or public welfare in the State of Alabama  …  an emergency exemption is issued as a result of extreme arctic cold weather conditions causing shortages and interruptions in the availability and/or delivery of propane and other home heating fuels throughout the State of Alabama …  the polar vortex has increased the number of deaths throughout the nation, and may result in abnormally high demand and potential supply shortages for conventional heating fuels and threaten the safety and well-being of citizens, agribusiness and business property located throughout the State of Alabama

“With life threatening cold temperatures expected once again, it is important for Alabamians to have the necessary heating resources available for survival,” said Bentley.

“This State of Emergency will help Alabamians have an uninterrupted supply of propane gas and other home heating fuels during this period of winter weather.”

The State of Emergency will wave the federal transportation motor carrier laws, allowing flexibility in the delivery of the vital heating fuel to homes, schools and businesses.

The frigid condition threaten Alabama’s $15 billion poultry industry. The state is the third largest in the country for broiler and 14th in egg production, according to the Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Current – Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions & Permits

In addition to the State of Alabama, States of Emergencies and/or executive orders, wavers and exemptions have been issued  for 33 other states and District of Columbia, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The following Emergencies are currently in effect:

Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Southern Service Center

Affected States: Louisiana, Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Oklahoma.  (Effective Date:  1/21/2014 – In effect for the duration of the emergency or until 2/11/2014, whichever is less).

Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Eastern Service Center 

Affected States: Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont and West Virginia.  (Effective from 1/19/2014 In effect for the duration of the emergency or until 2/11/2014, whichever is less).

Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Midwestern Service Center 

Affected States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin.   (Effective from 1/19/2014 In effect for the duration of the emergency or until 2/11/2014, whichever is less).

Related Links

• Tennessee Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 22, 2014
• Ohio Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 20, 2014
• State of Emergency Declared in Oklahoma due to Propane Shortage January 8, 2014

Polar Déjà vu

UPDATED at 09:30UTC – January 22, 2014

EXTREME CLIMATIC & WEATHER EVENTS
.

New York, New Jersey, Delaware Declare States of Emergency as Polar Vortex II shuts down DC,  grounds thousands of flights

New York: Governor Cuomo declared a state of emergency Tuesday for the following counties: Suffolk, Nassau, Richmond, Kings, Queens, New York, Bronx, Westchester and Rockland as a major winter storm battered the tristate area, bringing serious snow and extremely cold temperatures. A dangerous polar vortex is chasing the storm.

“This winter storm will bring a one-two punch of snow and extreme cold. I urge all those in the affected regions to exercise caution, and avoid travel if possible,” said Cuomo. “State resources are deployed to clear snow and help those impacted by the storm, but above all it is important that New Yorkers remain safe both during and after the storm.”

New Jersey

Governor Christie declared a State of Emergency in New Jersey, authorizing the emergency services to activate, coordinate and prepare  response to the storm.

“Today’s winter storm is expected to produce heavy snow, dangerous conditions and travel hazards throughout the state,” said Christie. “I’ve authorized state officials to take all necessary action to prepare, and my Administration will continue monitoring conditions throughout the remainder of the storm. I encourage all New Jerseyans to stay off the roads if possible so that our first responders and public safety officials can safely respond to any emergency situations.”

Delaware

Delaware’s governor Markell has declared a state of emergency as the winter storm brought snow and high winds to the East Coast.

The storm, which forced  schools, government offices and businesses in Delaware to close early, is forecast to  bring up to 16 inches of snow to mid-Atlantic region.

• Maryland declared a snow emergency.

Govt Shutdown

Hundreds of thousands of federal workers in DC area were ordered to stay home Tuesday. Schools and offices were also shut down throughout the region.

• The storm forced Governments in Delaware and Maryland to shut down.
• Connecticut sent home nonessential state workers.
• Philadelphia schools and offices were closed.

NWS Forecast

A Powerful winter storm continues to intensifying off the East Coast with bitter cold spreading into the Eastern U.S., said the National Weather Service (NWS).

“A storm system will strengthen overnight in the Atlantic waters off the East Coast spreading heavy snow and strong wind into coastal sections of New England and the Northeast. Blizzard conditions are possible in eastern Massachusetts. In addition, temperatures across the eastern U.S. will be 10 to 25 degrees below average with bitter wind chills.”

The forecast also warned of

• Heavy snow from the Mid-Atlantic to the Northeast Coast

• Temperatures will be 15 to 30 degrees below average over parts of the Upper Midwest

• Temperatures will be 15 to 25 degrees below average for the Mid-Atlantic/Central Appalachians into the Lower Great Lakes

• Storm along the Mid-Atlantic Coast will deepen rapidly while moving northeastward to the Canadian Maritimes paralleling the Coast by Wednesday evening.

• … another storm over the Upper Midwest will move southeastward to the Central Appalachians by Thursday morning.

Hazardous Weather Warnings

Hazardous conditions extended along a 1,700-km front from Kentucky to Massachusetts on Tuesday, snarling  transport and triggering multiple weather Warnings, Watches and advisories including Blizzard Warning, Winter Storm Warning, Storm Warning, Special Marine Warning, Flood Warning, Gale Warning, Wind Chill Warning, Hard Freeze Warning and Freeze Warning among others.

Flight Delays and Cancellations

More than 6,000 flights within, into, or out of the United States were canceled or delayed on Tuesday, according to FlightAware.com. An additional 1,400 flights have been canceled for Wednesday.

National Low and High Temperature [contiguous United States]

Issued 7 pm EST Tuesday, January 21, 2014

• -38ºC (-37 degrees) at Embarrass, MN

• 29ºC  (84 degrees) at Camarillo, CA

Source: NWS Weather Prediction Center, College Park, MD

Temperature spread 67ºC (121 degrees).

On January 7, 2014 FIRE-EARTH said [Google and WordPress censored]:

FIRE-EARTH Models show more Extreme Weather Events could wreak havoc across North America in the coming days and weeks.

• More Extreme Weather Events to Hit North America

 

Anything that could freeze up…

EXTREME CLIMATIC & WEATHER EVENTS
.

Polar Vortex Helps Shatter North America Temperature Records

275 U.S. Daily Lowest Min Temperature Records broken, 69 others tied January 1 – 6, 2014, according to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC).

Partial Map of the U.S. showing all but two of the 344 Daily Lowest Min Temperature Records broken or tied between 1 and 6 January, 2014. Source: NCDC.

Affected Areas

Daily temperature records were shattered across the US, including in the states of Alabama (tied), Arkansas, California (tied), Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts,  Michigan,  Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon (tied), Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia.

How Cold?

Temperatures were as much as 35 degrees  (19.4ºC) below normal in a vast region extending from the Midwest to the Southeast, said the National Weather Service (NWS).

On January 5, FIRE-EARTH Models showed that the Arctic storm would affect about 250 million people in 40 states.

Major U.S. cities reported frigid conditions on Monday and early Tuesday. The lowest temperatures recorded were

• Boston: 15ºF (-9º C)
• Chicago:  2ºF (-17ºC)
• Cleveland: –11ºF (-24ºC), shattering a 130-year-old record
• Detroit:  0ºF (-18ºC)
• New York (Central Park): 4ºF (-16ºC)
• Pittsburgh 5ºF (-15ºC)
• Washington 19 (minus 7 C)

Even Hell, Michigan, froze over with temperatures plunging to as low as 1ºF (-17ºC).

Those  temperatures felt a lot colder due to wind chill factor.

[Temperatures inside household freezers are typically between 0ºF and 14ºF (−18ºC and −10ºC). Editor]

Low Temperature Map of the U.S. Source: NWS

National High and Low Temperature (for the contiguous United States) Issued 7pm EST Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Low Temperature

• -35 degrees (-37ºC) at Embarrass, MN
• -35 degrees at Brimson, MN

High Temperature

• 75 degrees (24ºC) at San Pasqual Valley, CA

Source: NWS Weather Prediction Center, College Park, MD

National temperature spread: 110 degrees (61ºC)

Flight Cancellations and Delays

In Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport about 60 percent of the flights were canceled on Tuesday as fuel supplies froze, leaving crews unable to fill aircraft tanks.

Total flight cancellations on Saturday:  1,771 (from or into the U.S., 1,507)
Total flight cancellations on Sunday: 3,905  (US: 3,517)
Total flight cancellations on Monday: 4,459 (US: 4,018)
Total cancellations on Tuesday: 3,274 (US: 2,688)
Total Flight delays for the period, as of posting:  57,100 (US: 32,290)
More than 800 (US: 513)  flight cancellations and 1,300 (US: 110) delays were reported on Wednesday, as of posting (06:30UTC).
(Source: FlightAware.com)

Related Links and Chronology

• More Extreme Weather Events to Hit North America Posted by feww on January 7, 2014
• 2014: Year Five of Human-Enhanced Natural Disasters  January 1, 2014
• Major Winter Storm to Batter Midwest, Northeast January 2, 2014
• States of Emergency Declared in New York, New Jersey January 3, 2014
• Climate and Weather Extremes Plaguing the World January 4, 2014
• Deadly Cold Plagues U.S. January 5, 2014
• UPDATED: Deadly Cold Plagues U.S. January 5, 2014
• Giga Arctic Blast Affecting 250 Million in 40 States January 5, 2014
• States of Emergency Declared in NW Indiana, Tennessee January 6, 2014

States of Emergency Declared in Illinois, New York, Indiana, Tennessee

State Of Disaster Declared in Illinois
.

Gov Quinn has declared a state of disaster for Illinois following a paralyzing snowstorm and a massive polar vortex causing extreme cold.

“As we continue to monitor weather conditions and work nonstop to respond to this winter storm, we will ensure that critical state services continue,” said Quinn in a statement posted on his website. “To protect the safety of our employees and the people they serve, I am directing state employees whose duties are not critical to state services to stay home and off the roads on Monday.”

The disaster declaration follows a major snow storm that dumped more than a foot new snow in many areas. The storm was followed by a polar vortex that plunged the temperature to dangerously low levels of about -45 degrees (-43ºC) and forced the closures of schools, businesses and government agencies.

In the last few days, the state of Illinois has used 9,400 tons of salt and 1,900 tons of liquid chloride to de-ice the roads, reported CBS Chicago.

Some 130 vehicle crashes were reported and up to 650 motorists had to be rescued through Sunday night, said CBS.

Polar Vortex drives east, States of Emergency declared for multiple areas

Gov. Cuomo has declared states of emergency for multiple counties as the polar vortex moves into western New York.

The emergency declaration covers 14 counties including Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Monroe, Oneida, Orleans, Oswego, Wayne and Wyoming.

• A wind chill warning is in effect for Allegany,  Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Genesee, Erie, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties, as of posting

• A blizzard warning is in effect for Erie, Genesee and Wyoming counties, as of posting.

• The vortex is expected to produce wind gusts up to 45 mph, with wind chill temperatures as low as -40 degrees.

• Total snowfall of about 36 inches is forecast for parts of the affected region over the next 36 hours.

• Some 300 New York Army and Air National Guard citizen Soldiers and Airmen in western and central New York have been mobilized to help local authorities if needed.

“As this new winter storm develops, bringing heavy snow and high winds, I strongly urge all citizens in these regions to exercise caution, avoid travel, and stay indoors,” Cuomo said. “To ensure an effective and rapid response to this winter storm, I am declaring a state of emergency, so resources can get to communities where they are needed as quickly as possible.”

U.S. Weather Hazards Map (Hazmap)  for Tuesday, January 7, 2014. Issued at 10:54UTC. Source: NWS. UPDATE

State of Emergency Declared in Indiana

Gov. Pence has declared a state of Emergency in  29 Indiana counties, as  record snowfalls and record-low temperatures plagued Indiana last Monday night.

The list of counties includes: Clinton, Delaware, Elkhart, Fulton, Grant, Howard, Jasper, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Marshall, Montgomery, Newton, Noble, Porter, Pulaski, Rush, St. Joseph, Starke, Steuben, Sullivan, Tipton, Vermillion, Vigo, Wabash, White and Whitley.

UPDATE: Tennessee cancels its state of emergency

Extreme cold and sub-zero wind chills were forecast to continue into Tuesday; however, Tennessee canceled its state of emergency on Monday afternoon, AP reported.

Related Links and Chronology

• 2014: Year Five of Human-Enhanced Natural Disasters  January 1, 2014
• Major Winter Storm to Batter Midwest, Northeast January 2, 2014
• States of Emergency Declared in New York, New Jersey January 3, 2014
• Climate and Weather Extremes Plaguing the World January 4, 2014
• Deadly Cold Plagues U.S. January 5, 2014
• UPDATED: Deadly Cold Plagues U.S. January 5, 2014
• Giga Arctic Blast Affecting 250 Million in 40 States January 5, 2014
• States of Emergency Declared in NW Indiana, Tennessee January 6, 2014
• More Extreme Weather Events to Hit North America  January 7, 2014

More Extreme Weather Events to Hit North America

EXTREME CLIMATIC & WEATHER EVENTS
.

Dangerously cold temperatures moving east

FIRE-EARTH Models show more Extreme Weather Events could wreak havoc across North America in the coming days and weeks.

Temp (F) – Real Time Mesoscale Analysis. Source: NWS

Polar Vortex

In the northern and central US temperatures felt as low as -60 degrees (-51ºC)  due to wind chill, according to the National Weather Service.

Illinois Governor Quinn called the Polar Vortex “one for the record books,”  as New York Governor Cuomo declared on Monday that parts of major highways would be closed due to the extreme conditions.

In Minneapolis, an emergency room doctor said he was treating frostbite injuries that had occurred even through protective clothing, AP reported.

U.S. Daily Lowest Min Temperature Records set January 1-5, 2014

• Records Broken: 125
• Records Tied: 28

VAN BUREN 2, a National Weather Service station located in Maine, set a new daily record -47 degrees (-44ºC) on January 2, smashing the previous record set in 1999 by 21 degrees.

National High and Low Temperature (for the contiguous United States)

High Temperature for Thursday, January 6, 2014

• 85 degrees (-29ºC) at Fort Lauderdale, FL
• 85 at Hollywood, FL
• 85 at Miami, FL
• 85 at Opa Locka, FL
• 85 at West Kendall, FL

Low Temperature for Thursday, January 6, 2014

• -37 degrees (-38ºC) at Babbitt, MN

Issued 7 pm EST Thursday, January 2, 2014 – NWS Weather Prediction Center, College Park, MD

Temperature spread:  124 degrees

A Silver Lining?

In Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport about 60 percent of the flights were canceled as fuel supplies froze, leaving crews unable to fill aircraft tanks, reported Reuters.

Total flight cancellations on Saturday:  1,771 (from or into the U.S., 1,507)
Total flight cancellations on Sunday: 3,905  (US: 3,517)
Total flight cancellations on Monday: 4,459 and  (US: 4,018)
Total cancellations on Tuesday, as of posting: 1,522 and (US: 1,376)
Total Flight delays for the period, as of posting:  47,765 (US: 26,574)
(Source: FlightAware.com)

Related Links and Chronology

• 2014: Year Five of Human-Enhanced Natural Disasters  January 1, 2014
• Major Winter Storm to Batter Midwest, Northeast January 2, 2014
• States of Emergency Declared in New York, New Jersey January 3, 2014
• Climate and Weather Extremes Plaguing the World January 4, 2014
• Deadly Cold Plagues U.S. January 5, 2014
• UPDATED: Deadly Cold Plagues U.S. January 5, 2014
• Giga Arctic Blast Affecting 250 Million in 40 States January 5, 2014
• States of Emergency Declared in NW Indiana, Tennessee January 6, 2014

States of Emergency Declared in NW Indiana, Tennessee

EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS
.

Northwest Indiana and Tennessee declare states of emergency due to extreme conditions

Indiana Gov. Pence has ordered all state government offices to remain closed Monday, as more snow is forecast for the region.

“I am limiting the number of employees who must report to work on Monday to help keep people off the roads and out of the extreme cold, even while we make sure that Hoosiers have access to necessary government services,” said Pence.

Tennessee

In Tennessee, The Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) declared a state of emergency as the frigid cold front moved through the region.

“Temperatures are also beginning to fall dramatically in the region. At Nashville International Airport, temperatures dropped 8 degrees from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and even further after that. In Clarksville, temperatures sunk from 51 degrees to 29 in two hours time,” said a report.

The Polar Vortex Causing Life-Threatening Wind Chill

“The polar vortex, a mid-upper level cyclonic feature normally present over northern Canada, will be displaced unusually far to the south over the northern Great Lakes and southern Ontario. Owing to the deep layer of the cold air mass, this will provide for an incredibly strong surge of bitterly cold Arctic Air along with gusty winds. The Upper Midwest will be affected first by Saturday night, and the brutal conditions will continue pushing southeastward to the Ohio Valley and Mid-South by Monday, and to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic by Tuesday. Particularly noteworthy will be the extreme wind chills and nearly unheard-of daytime highs that are forecast. A huge expanse of wind chill warnings are in effect from Montana all the way to the central Appalachians, with wind chills on the order of -20 to -50 degrees expected!” NWS said.

IR Satellite Image, GOES N America, Jan. 6, 2014 @ 01:15UTC. Colder objects are brighter and warmer objects are darker. Lower layers of clouds, generally warmer and lower in altitude, are colored gray. Colder and generally higher clouds tops are highlighted in colors. Source: SSD/ NOAA GOES satellites

Monday’s lows are forecast to plunge below -15 degrees (-26ºC) with wind chills as low as  -50 (-46ºC), with temperatures  across the Fox Valley falling as low as -60 (-51ºC).

“Ahead of the Arctic blast, a developing surface low along the cold front will result in widespread snow from Missouri to the Ohio Valley and into the Great Lakes. Areas that have persistent snow bands may receive on the order of 8 to 14 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts,” said NWS.

Record-breaking cold is forecast for  much of Eastern US: NWS

U.S. Weather Hazards Map (Hazmap)  for Monday, January 6, 2014. Issued at 14:54UTC. Source: NWS. Map Enhanced by FIRE-EARTH. UPDATE

Warnings, Watches and Advisories

Dozens of Warnings, Watches and Advisories are currently in effect across the eastern two-thirds of the country, with the Wind Chill Warning, and Hard Freeze Warning, which plague the Gulf Coast states, impacting vast areas.

Impact

FIRE-EARTH Models show impacts of the Arctic blast are affecting about 250 million people across 40 states.

Related Links

• Giga Arctic Blast Affecting 250 Million in 40 States January 5, 2014

• UPDATED: Deadly Cold Plagues U.S. January 5, 2014
• Deadly Cold Plagues U.S. January 5, 2014
• States of Emergency Declared in New York, New Jersey January 3, 2014
• Major Winter Storm to Batter Midwest, Northeast January 2, 2014

Giga Arctic Blast Affecting 250 Million in 40 States

EXTREME CLIMATIC & WEATHER EVENTS
.

Deadly Arctic storm affecting 250 million people in 40 states —FIRE-EARTH

Life-threatening wind chill is plunging temperatures to as low as minus 60 degrees (-51ºC). The coldest temperatures in 20 years are spreading into the northern and central U.S. on Sunday following an arctic cold front.

Combined with gusty winds, these temperatures will result in life-threatening wind chill values as low as 60 degrees below zero. Also, heavy snow will develop from the eastern Plains to the Great Lakes today, with up to a foot of accumulation possible. —NWS

A massive blast of Arctic Air [aka “Polar Vortex”] is expected to set new lowest temperature records from the Northern/ Central High Plains to the Upper Mississippi Valley.

• Hard Freeze Warnings, Freeze Warnings and multiples of other Weather Hazard Warnings, Watches and Advisories are in effect throughout the eastern two-thirds of the country, extending into the deep South and spanning along almost the entire Gulf Coast.

• The giga winter storm has killed at least 2 dozen people so far.
• Up to 250 million people in 40 states are affected by the Arctic blast, according to FIRE-EARTH Models.

U.S. Weather Hazards Map (Hazmap)  for Sunday, January 5, 2014. Issued at 14:54UTC. Source: NWS. Map Enhanced by FIRE-EARTH. UPDATE

Related Links

• UPDATED: Deadly Cold Plagues U.S. January 5, 2014
• Deadly Cold Plagues U.S. January 5, 2014
• States of Emergency Declared in New York, New Jersey January 3, 2014
• Major Winter Storm to Batter Midwest, Northeast January 2, 2014

UPDATED: Deadly Cold Plagues U.S.

EXTREME CLIMATIC & WEATHER EVENTS
.

DEADLY COLD REACHES THE HEARTS AND MINDS OTHER WARNING CALLS FAIL TO REACH – PROBABLY!

UPDATED @ 10:00UTC.

Parts of northeastern U.S. and Canada buried under 60+ cm (2 feet) of snow as deadly wind chill continues to plunge temperatures.

A massive blast of Arctic Air [aka “Polar Vortex”] is expected to plunge temperatures by up to 60 degrees (F) below average from the Northern/ Central High Plains to the Upper Mississippi Valley.

• Hard Freeze Warnings, Freeze Warnings and multiples of other Weather Hazard Warnings, Watches and Advisories are in effect throughout the eastern two-thirds of the country, extending into the deep South and spanning along almost the entire Gulf Coast.

“It may feel as cold as negative 50 to negative 60 on Sunday night over sections of the north-central states,” said a meteorologist  with NWS.

“In those conditions, frost bite sets in on exposed skin within five minutes. A person not properly dressed could die easily in those conditions.”

The mega winter storm is said to be the worst in two decades, caused by a “polar vortex.”

“It’s just a large area of very cold air that comes down, forms over the North Pole or polar regions; [it] usually stays in Canada, but this time it’s going to come all the way into the eastern United States,” said a meteorologist  with NWS.

• Heavy snow has paralyzed large parts of the northeast and Canada, claiming up to two dozen lives, grounding at least 6,000  flights and delaying twice as many since Thursday, and shutting down transport systems.

Schools and government offices have been forced  to close throughout the states of New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

The governors of New York and New Jersey have declared states of emergency on Thursday and have since advised residents to stay at home.

• The mayor of Bridgeport also  declared a state of emergency.
• Boston Declared a Snow Emergency.

U.S. Weather Hazards Map

U.S. Weather Hazards Map (Hazmap)  for Sunday, January 5, 2014. Source: NWS. Map Enhanced by FIRE-EARTH. UPDATE

“The last really big Arctic outbreak was 1994,” said a forecaster with NWS. “Outbreaks like this don’t occur every day.”

Record-breaking cold expected over much of Eastern U.S. (NWS)

“The coldest weather in years will be making its presence known from the Upper Mid-West to the Mid-Atlantic region,” said the US National Weather Service (NWS), adding that Ohio, South Dakota and Illinois would be among the worst-hit areas.

Incredibly Cold and Possibly Record Breaking Temperatures, Heavy Snow and Ice Are Expected for the Eastern Two-Thirds of the Country Through Next Week.

Potentially record breaking cold temperatures will continue dropping through the northern-tier states today. As the airmass moves into the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley, moderate to heavy snow will be possible on Sunday. With cold air already entrenched over much of the eastern U.S., freezing rain is possible from the Deep South, along the Appalachians into New England for the next couple of days.

Wind chill is forecast to plunge the effective temperatures to as low as -51ºC (-60 degrees) in the Midwest.

U.S. Daily Lowest Min Temperature Records set January 1 – 3, 2014

• 65  records Broken, 14  tied
  

On Friday, temperature plunged to -45ºC  (-49.0 degrees) in Van Buren, Maine, breaking a previous record of -35.6ºC ( -32.1 degrees) set in 1999,  said NCDC.

National High and Low Temperature (for the contiguous United States)

High Temperature for Thursday, January 4, 2014

• 76 degrees (24.4ºC) at Miami, FL
• 76 degrees at Kingsville, TX
• 76 degrees at Alice, TX

Low Temperature for Thursday, January 4, 2014

• -36 degrees (-37.8ºC) at Big Black River, ME

Issued 7 pm EST Thursday, January 4, 2014 – NWS Weather Prediction Center, College Park, MD

Temperature spread:  112 degrees  [The spread remains inconsistent.  Editor]

Related Links

• Deadly Cold Plagues U.S. January 5, 2014
• States of Emergency Declared in New York, New Jersey January 3, 2014
• Major Winter Storm to Batter Midwest, Northeast January 2, 2014