:quality(70):focal(667x423:677x433)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/52GT2VNPEZAA3IFELRBIDDNF2M.jpg)
Bitter cold will take hold over Iowa today, causing most of the state to be under extreme cold warnings, lasting through the weekend. The frigid temperatures are just one part of a large winter storm forecasted to hit more than two dozen states, stretching from New Mexico and Texas to parts of New England over the weekend, bringing with it heavy snow and crippling ice in other areas. Meteorologists say it could be one of the most significant winter events this season.
Millions of Americans are bracing for a potentially catastrophic ice storm that could crush trees and power lines and knock out power for days, while Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City and Boston could see enough snow to make travel very difficult or nearly impossible, forecasters say.
Warm Arctic waters and cold continental land are combining to stretch the dreaded polar vortex in a way that will send much of the United States a devastating dose of winter weather with swaths of painful subzero temperatures, heavy snow and powerline-toppling ice.
About 230 million people face temperatures of 20 degrees (-7 degrees Celsius) or colder and around 150 million are likely to be hit by snow and ice, with many Americans getting both, according to the National Weather Service. Meteorologists said the eastern two-thirds of the nation is threatened with a winter storm that could rival the damage of a major hurricane.
“I think people are underestimating just how bad it’s going to be,” said former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration chief scientist Ryan Maue, now a private meteorologist.
Locally, bitterly cold air that surged into Iowa yesterday, will bring an extreme cold snap into the weekend. Although the coldest conditions were seen late last night into this morning, with windchills predicted to reach -40 in some areas, wind chill values will not escape negative temperatures until Monday afternoon at the earliest.
By noon today temperatures will feel like -22 degrees and stay in that range through 6 a.m. Saturday. Saturday afternoon, winds begin to give the area some reprieve and temperatures will feel closer to the -13 through -17 degree range through Monday afternoon when Creston is forecasted to have a temperature of 0 degrees.
With the dangerously cold air, comes risks to both people and pets. Frostbite will be possible within minutes. Covering all exposed skin is crucial. The Gibson Memorial Library in Creston will act as a warming center during it’s normal business hours, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, for those who need to get out of the cold. If possible, avoid being outside unless absolutely necessary.
Protect pets, livestock and other animals from being overly exposed to extreme cold. Make sure you have plenty of food and water, that has not frozen, available to them and an area for them where they are protected from the elements. Take extra precautions to ensure pipes don’t freeze.
If you must travel, ensure you have at least a half of tank of gas so if you become stranded you can stay warm. Dress for the outdoors even if you don’t think you’ll be outside much, make sure you have clothing with you just incase.
Always check with your destination or event to make sure they are open, as many businesses and activities have been cancelled or postponed due to the forecast.
Update your winter car survival kit. A kit should include jumper cables, flashlights with new and extra batteries, a first aid kit including essential medications, non-perishable food and a can opener if needed, water in case you become stranded, a basic toolkit, pet supplies, baby supplies if needed, a shovel, ice scraper and cat litter or sand (for better tire traction), blankets, warmers, warm clothing including boots, hats, gloves and jackets and a cell phone charger.
The extreme cold air has prompted exploding tree warnings throughout the Midwest. Trees don’t actually explode, but the sound they produce sounds as if they are. Exploding trees, although rare, can occur when the temperatures drop enough, usually very quickly, to cause the sap inside the tree to freeze, which then expands due to a high water content. The pressure from the expansion can be enough to tear open the bark and cause “exploding” sounds.
Check on elderly friends and family to ensure they have everything they need during this cold snap.
Be prepared and stay warm.
Associated Press contributed to this article.