As the first storm subsides, a second storm is predicted to form next weekend, intensifying rapidly across the Great Lakes and potentially reaching bomb cyclone status. Chicago may face blizzard conditions, raising concerns about further disruption and damage. With the East Coast already saturated from heavy precipitation in recent weeks, the prospect of more rain heightens worries.
The Polar-Vortex Threat
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the looming threat of a major Arctic outbreak, originating from a lobe of the tropospheric polar-vortex.
Computer models predict extreme cold, with temperatures plummeting as much as 50°F below average for mid-January. This Arctic air mass, expected to be the coldest in several years, could affect vast portions of the U.S., starting with the northern Plains and Pacific Northwest.
The unusual event, known as sudden stratospheric warming (SSW), is identified as the culprit behind the disruption of the polar-vortex.
Getting Prepared
As the nation braces for these extreme weather events, federal, state, and local leaders face a monumental challenge in preparation and recovery. The scale of multiple storms and plummeting temperatures will put warning systems and infrastructure to the test, offering a preview of the challenges that may become more frequent in an increasingly stormy and extreme weather world.
