Punxsutawney Phil, we'd like to have a word with you. On Groundhog's Day, the fortune-telling rodent predicted an early spring, but winter certainly doesn't seem to be winding down, according to this week's harsh forecast. A severe storm will pummel the country with snow, sleet, and ice—and will affect more than 100 million people, USA Today reports.
"This storm is unique in that it brought a significant storm to Seattle and a wintry mess to so many big cities—Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Boston," AccuWeather meteorologist Tyler Roys told the publication. "When you include the South, the storm is impacting almost every part of the United States in some shape or form."
Midwesterners are already seeing the affects of the brutal conditions. AccuWeather reported tens of thousands of residents across the area are currently without power. As of Tuesday morning, eastern Iowans woke up to more than six inches of snow, and will see that number climb to around 10 inches as the day goes on. People in Green Bay, Wisconsin will also see similar snowfall. The city of Chicago has accumulated a half-inch of ice, which has caused many delays and cancellations at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
The East Coast is also in a horrendous state. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski noted parts of New York and Maine will receive 6-to-12 inches of snow, but that's not even the worst of it. "However, [anywhere] from 12-18 inches of snow is forecast[ed] over the northern tier of New England," he said. The accumulation of snow mixed with ice will make travel "impossible," added AccuWeather Meteorologist Faith Eherts. JFK International Airport and LaGuardia Airport have already experienced hundreds of cancellations.
Even those out West aren't safe from the misery. Seattle has been experiencing a wintry mix for several days, which has made this month the snowiest February the city has seen in 75 years, according to the National Weather Service. Even California will be hit by heavy rain and snow, AccuWeather claimed. These conditions will bring "a heightened threat of flooding, mudslides, erosion, power outages, and avalanches," to the northern and central parts of the state.
The only bit of good news? Only 36 days until the official start of spring. To say the countdown is on is a serious understatement.
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