By Natalia Rueda 
The United States is currently facing one of the most severe cold waves of the winter season, with frigid temperatures and dangerous wind chills affecting nearly 80% of the country. As the polar vortex continues to bring arctic air down across the center and east of the nation, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued wind chill warnings for hundreds of millions of Americans. Residents of New York experienced significant snowfall last Tuesday, January 16, not seen in a long time.
700 days without snow
According to the National Weather Service, a winter storm hit the tri-state area early Tuesday, bringing with it 1 to 3 inches of snow accumulation. This may not seem like a significant amount, but for a city that has gone more than 700 days without snowfall greater than an inch, it could break a record. While Manhattan and coastal Queens will see the heaviest accumulation, other areas like New Jersey and Long Island can also expect snowfall.
New York’s Central Park recorded over an inch of snow on a single day for the first time in 701 days, while Philadelphia saw similar amounts after a record-breaking 715 days without significant snowfall.
Manhattan could see up to 3 inches, Queens could see 2.4 inches near JFK airport, and New Jersey is expected to see a little over 3 inches. Long Island is also expected to receive 1 to 2.4 inches of snow.
New Yorkers have grown accustomed to mild winters in recent years, with snowfall becoming more and more infrequent. This has allowed residents to enjoy outdoor activities in the winter without the hassle of shoveling and navigating through snowy streets.
But as the country continues to grapple with the harsh effects of this polar vortex, experts advise citizens to take precautions, such as checking on vulnerable friends and neighbors, dressing in warm layers, and saving energy to avoid potential blackouts. The NWS also stresses the importance of monitoring warning alerts and staying informed about changing weather conditions.
With temperatures below freezing in many areas, the country has been hit by widespread power outages, canceled flights and school closures. The NWS warns that temperatures could reach below -30 degrees in some areas. Which makes it extremely dangerous for anyone to be outside for extended periods of time.