US Weather Alert: Extreme Cold Warning Issued for Multiple Regions; Pittsburgh Schools Delayed
A powerful winter storm, described as the most significant of the season, is set to bring record-setting cold temperatures across the United States, beginning on Friday. The storm is expected to move across Texas before surging up the East Coast, impacting major metropolitan areas such as New York and Boston.
National Weather Service Issues Widespread Alerts
Due to strong winds, bitter cold, and heavy snowfall, parts of the Upper and Mid-Mississippi Valley are currently under a Blizzard Warning. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Extreme Cold Watches and Warnings that will remain in effect through Saturday. Sub-zero and single-digit temperatures are anticipated to spread from the Northern Plains on Thursday, extending into the Mid-Mississippi Valley, Ohio Valley, and the Northeast by Sunday.
Over the weekend, more than 175 million people could be affected by a mix of snow, rain, sleet, and ice. According to Brian Hurley, a senior forecaster with the US Weather Prediction Center, approximately 230 million individuals are expected to experience temperatures at or below 20°F (-7°C).
Extensive Winter Storm Watch in Effect
The NWS has issued a winter storm watch spanning more than 1,100 miles (1,770 kilometers), stretching from New Mexico through Tennessee and Alabama. Additional winter weather advisories and warnings extend from North Dakota across the Great Lakes into western New York. Forecasters predict that at least 222 daily cold-temperature records could be matched or broken through next Tuesday.
Pittsburgh Region Faces School Delays
In response to the severe winter weather affecting parts of western Pennsylvania, many schools and organizations in the Pittsburgh area have announced delays or schedule changes for the day. The National Weather Service has placed sections of this region under a Winter Weather Advisory, which remains in effect until 10 AM on Thursday.
Notable school delays in Pittsburgh include:
- Pittsburgh Public Schools (Allegheny) – 2-Hour Transportation Delay for non-PPS students
- Seneca Valley School District (Butler) – 2 Hour Delay Thursday (Modified Kindergarten)
- Butler Area School District (Butler) – 2 Hour Delay Tuesday
- Avonworth (Allegheny) – 2 Hour Delay Tuesday
- Bethel Park School District (Allegheny) – 2 Hour Delay Thursday (Modified Kindergarten)
Other affected institutions range from Adelphoi Education Latrobe with a 2-hour delay to Canon-McMillan School District implementing a modified kindergarten schedule. The widespread disruptions highlight the storm's significant impact on daily life and educational activities in the region.
Residents are urged to stay informed through official weather updates and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during this extreme cold event.
