Winter Storm Elliott is expected to reach its peak intensity on Friday, with the NWS warning of “widespread disruptions” across the country. Temperatures have already plummeted 40 degrees in less than an hour in some cities, setting record lows.
Over 200 million people, representing more than half of the U.S. population, are under winter storm warnings, watches, or advisories.
Temperatures are expected to plummet as far south as Florida, with lows in the low 20s predicted for parts of northeast Florida. Hard freeze watches and warnings are issued for several counties in the Sunshine State.
Meanwhile, the Pacific Northwest may see significant freezing rain.
On Friday morning, the National Weather Service issued a Watch Warning depicting one of the greatest extents of winter weather warnings and advisories ever. Over 240 million people within the United States are under some form of winter weather warning or advisory. Additionally, 181 million are under wind chill warnings or advisories.
Thursday’s warnings of subzero temperatures were followed by Friday’s wind chills dropping as low as minus 40 degrees in some areas, while temperatures rapidly decreased elsewhere.