In photos: Arctic blast brings snow and frigid temperatures across U.S.

Published Date: 1/17/2024

Source: axios.com

"Record-setting" cold temperatures from an Arctic outbreak slamming much of the Lower 48 U.S. states has left over 100 million Americans under alerts from "dangerous" wind chills, per the National Weather Service.

The big picture: The winter storm that's ended a two-year snow drought along the heavily populated I-95 corridor has caused widespread travel disruptions, as snow was accumulating across the eastern Great Lakes and Northeast corridors, and significant ice was building in the West, including in Portland, Oregon.

Chicago experienced below freezing temperatures over the weekend with bitterly cold air and high winds. EarthCam captured the arctic sea smoke over Lake Michigan! Arctic sea smoke occurs when frigid air blows across warmer water. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/ZZgpGzbAav
— EarthCam (@EarthCam) January 15, 2024

A woman crosses a street during a cold evening as hot steam escapes from the ground in the Manhattan borough of New York City on Jan. 16 — after NYC finally ended a record streak of more than 700 days without measurable snowfall, with a thin layer of white powder covering Central Park and other parts of the city. Photo: Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images

Another round of #FreezingRain is forecast across #NWOregon - we realize folks are feeling a bit of cabin fever at this point - but staying home during an ice storm is your safest travel option. #orwx #pdxtst pic.twitter.com/I13NZmED0J
— OregonDOT (@OregonDOT) January 16, 2024

A supporter waits in line ahead of a rally for former President Trump on Jan. 16 in Atkinson, New Hampshire, after the Republican presidential candidate won this week's Iowa caucuses. Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images

⚠️ DOTD warns motorists to restrict their travel to only essential movement, as the impacts of the recent winter storm continue overnight Tuesday, January 16, 2024. Crews will continue round-the-clock operations. More info: https://t.co/h5O6p5LsCe pic.twitter.com/wPtYetikHS
— Louisiana DOTD (@La_DOTD) January 17, 2024

The scene at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 16, as the biggest snowfall in more than two years blankets the Washington Metropolitan area — shutting down schools and halting flights across the region. The snow forced the House of Representatives to postpone voting on a stopgap spending bill in D.C. Photo: Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

@Mackinacbridge is currently experiencing white out conditions. Traffic is slowly being escorted northbound and southbound. As you approach the bridge, proceed with caution, reduce speed and turn on 4-way flashers. pic.twitter.com/y7MAW4sFPP
— The Mackinac Bridge (@mackinacbridge) January 16, 2024

An NYC Department of Parks and Recreation worker clears snow on Jan. 16 as it blankets New York City, breaking a two-year stretch without snow. Photo: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

SDOT crews were busy this weekend and are ready to respond if conditions worsen. Be cautious and beware of ice.

Here are a few of the trouble spots our hard-working team discovered during the weekend.

Follow @wsdot_traffic and @NWSSeattle for more updates. pic.twitter.com/9i57Dsuw8I
— Seattle Department of Transportation (@seattledot) January 16, 2024

Ice is formed on a fountain in the High Meadow Ranch area on Tuesday, Jan. 16 in Magnolia, Texas. Photo: Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

Load up, gas up and hit the road. Then do it again until the snow stops and the roads are bare. #OneDOT! pic.twitter.com/YMUxB33YiN
— NYSDOT Binghamton (@NYSDOTBGM) January 16, 2024

Icicles are formed on a sign at a convenience store in Spring, Texas, on Jan. 16. Photo: Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

Travel Alert. 📢 I-88 EB at MM 109 between Exit 23 and Exit 24, has all lanes closed due to a tractor trailer rollover. NYSP and NYSDOT on scene. pic.twitter.com/O9YJylOPns
— NYSDOT CapitalRegion (@NYSDOTAlbany) January 16, 2024

A woman walks after snowfall in Secaucus, New Jersey, on Jan. 16. Photo: Islam Dogru/Anadolu via Getty Images

#Portland & the #ColumbiaRiverGorge could get up to half an inch of ice.

Be aware: We're preparing to close I-84 in the Gorge before conditions become unsafe to prevent motorists from getting stranded in the ice. #orwx #pdxtst pic.twitter.com/upM7PWMHiy
— OregonDOT (@OregonDOT) January 16, 2024

Blades of grass are frozen in water during freezing temperatures on Jan. 16 in Houston, Texas. Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

Go deeper: How freezing temperatures are affecting electric vehicles

Editor's note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated with more photos as they come in.

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