Preparations underway as much of U.S. braces for below-freezing temperatures and snow

Atlanta: So, it looks like a serious cold snap is on its way, and folks are getting ready. Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, and snow is in the forecast. The National Weather Service is warning everyone to take precautions.

In Connecticut, they’re bracing for a good amount of snow—about four to ten inches starting late Sunday. Governor Ned Lamont mentioned that over 600 snowplows are ready to hit the roads. They’ll be working hard to keep things clear.

Lamont also advised people to plan ahead. If you can, stay home and enjoy some football instead of driving in the snow. If you must go out, just take it easy and give those snowplows some space.

New York City is also gearing up. They’ve issued a winter weather alert for Sunday and Monday, expecting a couple of inches of snow. The city’s emergency management is warning that travel could get tricky.

Mayor Eric Adams said they’ll be clearing the streets and helping those without shelter find a warm place to stay. Several cities are opening warming centers to help people escape the cold.

In Alabama, warming centers will pop up in various counties, and Columbus, Ohio, is setting up community centers for the same reason. Houston is also opening ten centers, and Chicago has shared a list of places for people to go.

In Texas, meteorologist Jeff Lindner warned that it’s going to be really cold, with temperatures in the upper 20s and low 30s. The National Weather Service in Tallahassee, Florida, is also alerting folks about severe weather and heavy rain.

Sadly, this cold snap has led to the cancellation of some Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations. New Orleans and Baltimore have both decided to cancel their parades for safety reasons. They’ll still hold small recognitions instead.

It’s definitely a tough situation, but everyone’s doing their best to stay safe and warm.