AccuWeather meteorologists say the chances are increasing for a major storm with snow and strong winds to occur in the days before Christmas over the central and eastern United States.
The potential blockbuster system will coincide with a massive outbreak of Arctic air that will send temperatures to bone-chilling levels through the holiday weekend and could be one of the most intense and prolonged periods of frigid air in decades during Christmastime.
The storm’s timing could not be worse given the increased number of travelers leading up to Christmas as well as the pressure retailers and shipping companies face to keep shelves stocked and items on track for delivery.
Snow during at least part of the storm is likely to extend from parts of the southern Plains to the Midwest, Northeast and perhaps even the interior Southeast states during the period from Thursday, Dec. 22 to Saturday, Dec. 24.
AccuWeather's team of long-range meteorologists, led by Senior Meteorologist Paul Pastelok, not only looks at computer models but also examines existing global weather patterns, known as teleconnections. The team has been keeping a close eye on the potential for this storm and the geographical area at risk since the start of December.
"At this time, there is every indication to believe that a major storm will unfold and track from somewhere over the South Central states to the Northeast," Pastelok said.
People in TEXAS are urged to prepare for FREEZING WATER PIPES and loss of electricity. Persons whose homes have only crawl spaces underneath (as opposed to a full basement) need to make certain their water pipes are INSULATED and perhaps even quipped with pipe heaters to avoid those pipes freezing and rupturing.
Folks in TEXAS are also reminded that just a few years ago, a similar blast of cold air caused widespread and long term electric outages. Have an emergency electric generator and make certain to have extra blankets for sleeping.
