Governors in at least 12 states have enacted emergency measures and cold weather protocols as severe winter weather impacts much of the US.
Wind chill alerts cover nearly half of the country's population as the “once-in-a-generation" winter storm brings snow, wind, ice and frigid temperatures.
Meanwhile, more than 2,300 US flights have been canceled so far during a busy holiday travel week.
Here are the latest developments:
- Winter storm’s impact on air travel: Flight delays and cancellations became more widespread as the day went on and the massive “bomb cyclone” trucked east, derailing holiday travel in large Northeast cities. The Federal Aviation Administration delayed flights at Washington’s Reagan National Airport, at Philadelphia International Airport, and at both Newark and John F. Kennedy airports in the New York metro area. About 2,360 flights had been canceled across the country by 7:30 p.m. ET Thursday.
- Blizzard conditions could last multiple days in Buffalo: A blizzard warning will take effect at 7 a.m. ET Friday for Buffalo, New York, and surrounding communities. Feet of snow and 70 mph wind gusts are likely, according to the National Weather Service. The combination of the snow associated with the bomb cyclone, very heavy lake-effect snow and the high winds will lead to deteriorating conditions. “Travel will be extremely difficult to impossible at times,” the weather service said.
- Extreme wind and flash freezing expected to wreak havoc in Ohio: Ohio will face a “unique and dangerous” situation throughout Christmas weekend, with flash freezing conditions beginning tonight and lasting through Friday morning, Gov. Mike DeWine said. DeWine said extreme temperatures will be close to zero Thursday night, adding that the entire state will be hit with flash freezing by 4 a.m. ET Friday.