- by Chloe Kim
- BBC News, Washington, DC
Watch: The northern United States is seeing its heaviest snowfall in decades
The disturbance is widespread across states as a severe winter storm crosses the United States.
Blizzard conditions in Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin have forced many schools and businesses to close.
While about 75 million people in 29 states are on alert for winter weather, parts of the eastern United States are expected to see record high temperatures.
Record temperatures in the United States
Wind gusts are expected to reach 80 km/h (50 mph) and wind chills are expected to reach -45 °C (-50 °F) in some areas.
In northern states, forecasts of up to 2 feet (0.6 m) of snow in some areas could mean areas are seeing their heaviest snowfall in 30 years.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the National Guard will be available to help motorists stuck in blizzard conditions there.
“This is a reminder to stay home and limit travel if possible,” the Utah Department of Transportation warned morning commuters.
Forecasters said the storm system could produce a 1,300-meter (2,092-kilometer) pack of ice from Nebraska to New Hampshire.
Meanwhile, generally sunny and warm Los Angeles, California will see snow and strong winds of up to 75 mph in the mountains and foothills of Ventura and Los Angeles County.
Record high temperatures in the United States as well
“All of California could see snow from sometime later this week,” UCLA climate scientist David Swain wrote on Twitter.
Unlike the western part of the country, parts of the eastern United States will see record numbers — Washington, D.C., could reach 80 on Thursday, breaking the record set in 1874.
Temperatures in Orlando, Florida can reach 90°F (32°C) and in Louisiana, New Orleans can reach 84°F (29°C).
“Throughout the winter, we’ve seen this continuing pattern, with the western US experiencing below-average temperatures and the eastern US experiencing above-average temperatures,” the BBC told the BBC. News climate scientist Andrew Kruszkiewicz, researcher at Columbia University. .
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Canada is also feeling the effects of a winter storm
Large parts of the country are on weather alert, including Toronto, which expects up to 4 to 10 inches (10 to 15 cm) of snow, sleet and the possibility of freezing rain.
Although the country had record temperatures for the month of February, parts of Toronto may see significant ice build-up.
Parts of Alberta and the prairies are facing severe cold warnings, with temperatures in some areas dropping to -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celsius) with wind chills.
American winter storm
Check weather and flights
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