45 Million Americans Under Weather Alerts as Consecutive Winter Systems Advance

Roughly 45 million people across the United States are under official weather alerts while a series of winter storms develops and moves eastward, according to information released on 10 December 2025. Federal forecasters are tracking several systems expected to bring heavy snow, dangerous cold and strong winds to multiple regions before the end of the week.

The National Weather Service has issued watches, warnings and advisories that stretch across a broad section of the country. The first round of hazardous weather, described in agency briefings as a “snow blast,” is already on the move, pushing frigid air into areas that recently experienced relatively mild conditions. Temperatures are forecast to drop sharply behind the front, creating wind-chill values well below average for early December.

In addition to the immediate snow threat, meteorologists are monitoring the arrival of a second, colder air mass identified as the next “arctic blast.” Forecast guidance indicates that this surge of polar air will trail the initial storm, potentially reinforcing sub-freezing conditions and prolonging the period of disruptive weather. The combination of fresh snowfall and continued low temperatures could complicate recovery efforts once the first system passes.

Separate from the continental storms, an atmospheric river event has been flagged for the Pacific Northwest. Forecasters note that this moisture-laden corridor may lead to heavy mountain snow at higher elevations while producing rain at lower levels. The influx of Pacific moisture is expected to merge with colder air arriving from the north, setting the stage for additional winter hazards as the pattern evolves.

Hazardous travel is among the main concerns highlighted by federal agencies. Snowfall rates within the core of each storm could rapidly reduce visibility on interstates and secondary roads, while gusty winds increase the risk of drifting snow and isolated whiteouts. Air traffic managers are also preparing for possible flight delays or cancellations at major hubs prone to winter disruptions during similar setups.

Utility providers in regions under alert have been advised to remain vigilant. Although no widespread outages have been reported, forecasters warn that a combination of heavy, wet snow and strong winds may stress power lines and tree limbs. Prolonged exposure to single-digit wind chills could pose additional challenges for crews working outdoors to restore service if outages occur.

The timeline released by the National Weather Service places the first storm’s primary impacts in the central United States before the system accelerates toward the Great Lakes and Northeast. Once it exits the coast, attention will shift to the second arctic front and any new low-pressure waves that develop along it. Meteorologists emphasize that exact snowfall totals and temperature minimums will depend on the eventual track and intensity of each disturbance.

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Emergency managers encourage residents in affected zones to monitor local forecasts and heed official guidance as conditions evolve. Winter weather alerts can change rapidly when multiple systems move in quick succession, and precautions taken ahead of time—such as securing alternative heat sources and assembling emergency kits—are considered essential steps in reducing potential risks.

While the contiguous United States contends with back-to-back winter systems, coastal communities in the Northwest face a different set of challenges from the incoming atmospheric river. Rapid runoff from heavy rain could elevate flood potential in low-lying areas, and high-elevation snowpack may increase the likelihood of avalanche danger once weight thresholds are exceeded.

Forecasters plan to provide updated briefings as new data arrive from surface observations, radar and satellite platforms. The suite of winter alerts currently active covers a population of about 45 million people, underscoring the expansive reach of the developing weather pattern. Communities in the storm pathway are urged to remain aware of changing advisories through official channels and to prepare for potentially extended periods of disruptive conditions.

Crédito da imagem: ABC News