TULSA, Okla.–Strong, dry winds that have unleashed a flurry of wildfires around Los Angeles will force millions of Americans to endure several inches of snow and ice as a winter storm moves east across the U.S. Wednesday and Thursday.
Over 80,000 residents in suburbs surrounding L.A. were forced to evacuate and several college campuses have announced closures as the Palisades Fire more burns than 3,000 acres in the densely populated California community.
So far, no deaths have been reported. Yet new fires continue to spark. The Tyler Fire, which erupted in Riverside County early Wednesday morning, is currently zero percent contained, according to Cal Fire. As of Wednesday, it has recorded 35 wildfires, over 5,000 acres burned and over 8,000 emergency responses. None of the five currently active incidents have been contained.
Winter storm to takeover U.S.
Meanwhile, the same winds that have sparked fiery blazes in the West prepares to unleash a flurry of sleet, snow and ice across states in the South Central region of the US Wednesday and Thursday into Friday.
“Cold air will plunge far enough south to set up a weather battle zone much of the week,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.
A corridor stretching from Dallas to Atlanta is expected to experience up to several inches of snow, along with ice and sleet that can make roads extremely dangerous for travelers heading home from the holidays.
Following a pattern from Monday’s storm that sparked school closures in Oklahoma and other states, the fresh wave of wintery winds will likely drop up to several inches of sleet, snow and ice across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee and potentially northern Georgia.
“The potential exists for a significant amount of freezing rain and sleet,” Sosnowski said. “Treacherous travel, as well as downed trees and power lines, will be possible.”
New normal or weird weather?
The waves of winter storms in the U.S. come as the world continues to break infamous climate records. 2024 was recorded as the warmest year on record for communities across the U.S., just a year after 2023 was recorded as the warmest year for the planet.
While scientists hesitate to link specific weather events with the overall effects of climate change, local leaders face the brunt of protecting their communities. For cities like Tulsa, opening warming stations have been one of the main tools to combat the deadly effects of the cold for its most vulnerable residents.
“Today, I visited several warming stations to meet with our partners and ensure our neighbors in need have a safe, warm space to stay during this extreme weather,” Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols posted on Facebook Monday. “I’m so grateful for the tremendous community we have that always comes together to take care of each other in times like these. Check on your neighbors and stay safe, Tulsa.”
To learn more about local winter weather resources, visit Tulsa Housing Solutions.
Related Stories:
- Tulsa opens warming stations as city prepares for winter weather
- Is there a link between climate change and Oklahoma’s fall tornadoes?
- Meers Fire Department tackles Wichita Mountains Wildfire
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