
Extreme cold warning issued for over 1 million Americans in the West, upper Midwest
Show Caption
Hide Caption
Winter storm brings ice, snow more to come in Midwest, Northeast
A winter storm swept through the Midwest and Northeast causing ice, snow and rain. Another storm is on the way.
Winter weather continues to pummel a wide swath of the country, with more than a million people in Eastern Montana and the Dakotas under extreme cold warnings Monday and Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service, wind chills as low as 55 degrees below zero could affect more than a million people in Montana, as well as in North and South Dakota.
Areas of Idaho are also under the same warnings, with the weather service forecasting that some areas could see wind chills of 24 degrees below zero.
'The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 55 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes,' the NWS said in their forecast.
The extreme cold in comes as other regions of the country are expected to see dangerous winter conditions this week.
Here's what to know.
How many people are under cold weather watches?
According to the National Weather Service, over 1 million people are under extreme cold warnings in Montana, North and South Dakota.
A further 18 million are under winter storm warnings across Kansas and Missouri and across Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Washington, D.C.
Winter weather wreaks havoc across country
A parade of winter storms may cause chaos across the Midwest and East this week, with two major storms expected to slam the regions with paralyzing snow and ice, including a big blast to the nation's capital.
The first storm will roll through the Midwest on Monday before fueling a blast of snow and ice across the Ohio Valley and the East, from Virginia to New England through Tuesday.
"It's been a disruptive start to February, and this onslaught of winter storms is expected to stick around for most of the month," AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter said.
The second storm expected to develop Tuesday night will roll out of the Front Range of the Rockies and spread to the central Plains on Wednesday before stretching to Mid-Atlantic states, AccuWeather says.
AccuWeather warned that snow and even a period of ice could hit Chicago, Detroit and Buffalo. And there is a chance that the corridor of sleet and freezing rain is more expansive with the second storm, especially across the Mid-Atlantic region and New England.
US weather watches and warnings
National Weather Radar
Contributing: John Bacon
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Newsweek
29 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Millions of Americans Told To Monitor Palpitations, Unusual Fatigue
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Millions of Americans have been advised to monitor palpitations and unusual fatigue amid concerns over high air pollution levels. Air quality alerts have issued on Monday across large swathes of Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, Delaware, Texas and Colorado, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The warnings mean ground-level ozone concentrations are forecast to reach dangerous levels. Why It Matters The NWS warned that both sensitive groups—such as children, seniors, and individuals with preexisting respiratory or heart conditions—and the general public might experience health effects linked to poor air quality in the affected regions. In some areas, the pollution comes from drifting smoke from wildfires. People play rugby amid hazy weather conditions in New York in July. People play rugby amid hazy weather conditions in New York in July. Liao Pan/China News Service/VCG/AP What To Know The agency said in its alert notices: "It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory diseases like asthma. "Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider." It added: "People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick relief medicine handy." In Michigan, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has declared an Air Quality Advisory for elevated levels of fine particulates across the state. Pollutants are expected to be in the "unhealthy for sensitive group" range across most parts, and will reach the "unhealthy" category in certain regions, meaning that some members of the general public may also experience health effects. Maine's Department of Environmental Protection has issued a statewide Air Quality Alert for particle pollution until 11 p.m. "A cold front will slowly push that smoke plume south through Maine on Monday. The front will likely concentrate smoke ahead of it," the department said. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation have both issued air quality alerts for fine particulates until midnight across the majority of both states. Code Orange air quality alerts have also been issued across Wisconsin, large swathes of Vermont, northern Pennsylvania and parts of Delaware including Wilmington. A Code Orange means that air pollution concentrations may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Meanwhile, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an Ozone Action Day Alert for the Front Range Urban Corridor, including cities such as Denver and Boulder. "On Monday, hot temperatures, light winds, and abundant sunshine will allow ozone to reach concentrations that are unhealthy for sensitive groups. The highest concentrations are expected along the Front Range and foothills, from western Denver northward to Fort Collins," it said. It added: "Smoke from the Grease Fire and the Elk Fire in central and southeastern Rio Blanco County, and the Coulter Creek Fire in southeastern Garfield County will produce areas of moderate to heavy smoke Sunday evening and Monday morning." The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has also issued an Ozone Action Day for the Houston, Galveston, and Brazoria area. What People Are Saying EGLE said in the NWS alert: "Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as: outdoor burning; use of residential wood burning devices. "Tips for households: Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors and, if possible, run central air conditioning with MERV-13 or higher-rated filters." TCEQ said: "Atmospheric conditions are expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone pollution in the Houston, Galveston, and surrounding areas on Monday. You can help prevent ozone pollution by sharing a ride, walking, riding a bicycle, taking your lunch to work, avoiding drive through lanes, conserving energy and keeping your vehicle properly tuned." Jonathan Grigg, a professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary University of London, previously told Newsweek that there are "very clear links" between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. He added: "There are vulnerable groups and classically they are children because they've got an extra issue to do with their lungs developing, whereas our lungs are not developing as adults." What Happens Next The air quality alerts are currently set to remain in force until late Monday evening. Regular updates regarding air pollution levels are issued on the NWS website and on the Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow interactive map.


Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
National Hurricane Center Maps Track Three Atlantic Developments
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Meteorologists are tracking three weather systems raging out over the Atlantic this week, amid fears that fierce winds could morph into U.S.-bound hurricanes. A map published by the National Hurricane Center looks particularly congested right now, as the forecasters plot areas of concern to help shape their predictions of how the weather patterns will develop. The area is "heating up," the experts warned on X. Advisories have already been issued for Tropical Storm Dexter, while two further "disturbances" out at sea are also being monitored. Trees bend as they are whipped by Hurricane Irma on September 10, 2017, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Trees bend as they are whipped by Hurricane Irma on September 10, 2017, in Fort Lauderdale, It Matters Hurricane season in the U.S. is well underway and has already broken records with Hurricane Flossie becoming the earliest F-named storm ever measured. In May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted an "above-normal 2025 Atlantic hurricane season," due to higher ocean temperatures. The NOAA said it expects about 13 to 19 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher) with 6 to 10 of those likely to become hurricanes (winds of more than 74 mph), and some 3 to 5 could be major hurricanes with winds over 111 mph. It's a fraught time for millions of Americans after a particularly brutal season last year, which culminated in swathes of destruction wreaked by Hurricane Helene, which killed hundreds of people in October. This map, shared by the National Hurricane Center at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), shows Tropical Storm Dexter and two further disturbances being monitored. This map, shared by the National Hurricane Center at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), shows Tropical Storm Dexter and two further disturbances being monitored. NOAA What To Know As hurricane-watch continues this summer, Tropical Storm Dexter has already been subject to an official advisory. As of 5 a.m. AST on Monday, the storm was seeing sustained winds of 45 mph. Hurricanes have sustained winds of 74 mph, so Dexter is some way off that point so far. And the NHC later posted on X to say that Dexter was now "forecast to move away from the U.S. coast and stay north of Bermuda." A second "disturbance" lies even closer to the southeastern coast, and has a "30 percent chance of cyclone formation in 7 days," the NHC said. "A broad area of low pressure is forecast to form in a couple of days a few hundred miles off the coast of the southeastern United States. Some gradual developing of this system is possible during the middle or latter part of the week as the system drifts to the west or northwest," the forecasters added. A third "disturbance" is deemed to be higher risk, with a "50 percent chance of cyclone formation in 7 days," NHC forecasters warned. That's because a "tropical wave" is forecast, which is a type of atmospheric trough formed of low air pressure. "A tropical wave is forecast to move off the west coast of Africa later today [Monday]. Thereafter, some gradual development of the wave is possible, and a tropical depression could form late this week while it moves generally west-northwestward across the central tropical Atlantic," meteorologist James Spann wrote on X. What People Are Saying The National Hurricane Center posted on X on Sunday: "The Tropics are heating up with 3 systems that we are monitoring." The agency shared a map showing the three weather patterns under observation. 8/3 2pm- The Tropics are heating up with 3 systems that we are monitoring. #AL95 offshore of the Carolinas has a high chance of becoming a TS by Monday as it moves away from the US. Two other systems have some development potential this week- More: — National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 3, 2025 When the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warned of the likelihood of an "above-normal" hurricane season for 2025 in May, Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm said at the time: "As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities. NOAA is critical for the delivery of early and accurate forecasts and warnings, and provides the scientific expertise needed to save lives and property." What Happens Next Residents along the eastern coast of the US should monitor their own local news and weather broadcasts for the most up-to-date information and advice.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
I'm Raising My Child In The Netherlands — And This Is Something I Never Expected
When you think of the Netherlands, canals, tulips and biking everywhere may come to mind — and those are among the reasons Americans are drawn to the country. Over 31,000 Americans live in the Netherlands, representing around 6% of the country's total immigrants, and that number has increased over the years. I was lured by the scenic charm — which the Netherlands certainly delivered. What I couldn't have imagined was the peace this country would give me in a decision that wasn't easy for me to make: having children. For a time, the thought of having kids brought on so much anxiety that I kept putting it off, and instead focused on my career and building a business. I didn't expect how much this small country would make parenting feel so natural. Here are some unexpected things I learned about raising my child here. Biking At 30 Weeks Pregnant You can imagine the look on my face when I showed up for my first midwife appointment and saw a line of parked bikes with pregnant women hopping off them, bellies much bigger than mine. When I thought about pregnancy, I imagined morning sickness, resting at home and counting down the weeks until week 40, but that was not my experience here. Instead, I joined the crew who biked to every midwife appointment until I couldn't anymore. Yes, I was lucky to have a relatively smooth pregnancy. However, pregnancy in the Netherlands is generally treated as a natural part of life. Doctors, midwives and coworkers alike approach it pragmatically. My experience is that most people don't see you as fragile; rather, they encourage you to listen to yourself, make your own choices and adapt as you need. It's just another season of womanhood. As Andrea Hamlet, an international board-certified lactation consultant from California who's lived in the Netherlands for over six years, told HuffPost, 'Pregnancy here is seen as a natural process, not a medical condition. I was able to relax in a way I don't think I could have back home.' Postnatal Care And Parental Leave Living in a foreign country often means you don't have family around for support. That's why the postnatal care in the Netherlands is truly a lifeline. Here, new parents receive the support of akraamzorg, a maternity nurse who visits your home every day for about a week after birth and helps with the essentials like feeding and bathing the baby, understanding your baby's signals, while also handling household chores so that you can focus on healing and bonding. Also, parental leave makes it easier to make long-term adjustments and focus on your life with a child. In the Netherlands, mothers are entitled to a minimum of 16 weeks of maternity leave (6 weeks before the birth and 10 weeks afterward). Both parents also share 26 weeks of parental leave, with nine of those weeks paid at 70% of their income. Paid leave can be used within the first year of the child's life. The remaining time is available as unpaid leave until the child turns 8 years old, allowing families to customize their time at home as needed. In addition to the leave policy, the Netherlands provides financial support for parents of young children. They can receive up to 282 euros per quarter when their child is a newborn to help with basic expenses, and tax credits are available to reduce child care costs. Letting Kids Be Independent One of the biggest surprises for anyone visiting or raising children here is the level of independence kids have. In the U.S., the thought of letting a child walk to school or take public transportation alone can make a parent's heart skip a beat. However, in the Netherlands, fostering independence from a young age is the norm, and the community completely supports it. Sim Sawyers, an American mom and photographer living in Amsterdam, noticed this difference immediately. 'In the U.S., [many] kids don't take the bus or walk to school; everything is very car-centric. Even as teenagers, they're often dependent on parents to drive them places, which can feel both restrictive and unsafe at times. Here, I love how much freedom kids are given — it's good for them to grow up with that sense of independence.' Hamlet also shared her relief in watching her son explore freely: 'He can meet friends at the movies, go for a drink, or bike to the ice rink. He's almost 14, and I'm so grateful he can have the same kinds of experiences I had in the '80s—safely. My only concern here is traffic, and I don't worry about things like drugs, drunk driving, or guns.' A Community That Thinks About Kids One thing that immediately stands out here is how integrated children are into everyday life. Family-friendly spaces and a judgment-free approach to raising your children are woven into the community. UNICEF's study on child well-being consistently ranks the Netherlands among the top countries for children's happiness, mental health and safety. This is due, in part, to the supportive environment parents experience here, which extends across all aspects of society. What I've seen is there's a collective understanding that everyone is doing their best, and judgment around parenting choices is rare. Hamlet described it as 'such a relief': 'I don't feel judged by other parents. I love the family-oriented aspect of this country,' she told HuffPost. The community rallies around families: High-end cafes and neighborhood restaurants offer kid-friendly spaces with high chairs, play areas and children's menus. Parks are abundant, and the safety of these spaces gives parents the peace of mind to allow children the freedom to play and explore. Sawyers highlighted how, even in a bustling city, it's 'incredibly child-friendly, with a park on almost every block.' She marveled at the inclusivity, adding, 'You walk into a high-end cafe, and they have four high chairs and a whole bookshelf full of games for kids in the back. It's not something you'd expect, but it's there, and it's normal.' This acceptance of children and emphasis on their well-being makes navigating parenthood easier, creating a welcoming community for families. I'm grateful we made the move and found a community that values happiness, independence, well-being and inclusivity. This has made the journey of parenthood much more peaceful and given me the freedom to raise my child in a way that aligns with my values. Related... I Moved To France With My Son, And This Is One Culture Shock I Never Expected I Spend Each Summer Out Of The U.S. With My Child, And This Is The Biggest Difference Why Queer Americans Are Leaving The Only Homes They've Ever Known I Ended Up In The ER During A Vacation In Spain. Here's What Shocked Me The Most. Solve the daily Crossword