December 22, 2022 Winter storm news

By Aya Elamroussi, Travis Caldwell, Aditi Sangal, Adrienne Vogt, Leinz Vales, Tori B. Powell and Matt Meyer, CNN

Updated 11:58 PM ET, Thu December 22, 2022
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8:00 p.m. ET, December 22, 2022

Here's what you should know about the severe cold weather impacting millions of Americans

Governors in at least 12 states have enacted emergency measures and cold weather protocols as severe winter weather impacts much of the US.

Wind chill alerts cover nearly half of the country's population as the “once-in-a-generation" winter storm brings snow, wind, ice and frigid temperatures.

Meanwhile, more than 2,300 US flights have been canceled so far during a busy holiday travel week.

Here are the latest developments:

  • Winter storm’s impact on air travel: Flight delays and cancellations became more widespread as the day went on and the massive “bomb cyclone” trucked east, derailing holiday travel in large Northeast cities. The Federal Aviation Administration delayed flights at Washington’s Reagan National Airport, at Philadelphia International Airport, and at both Newark and John F. Kennedy airports in the New York metro area. About 2,360 flights had been canceled across the country by 7:30 p.m. ET Thursday.
  • Blizzard conditions could last multiple days in Buffalo: A blizzard warning will take effect at 7 a.m. ET Friday for Buffalo, New York, and surrounding communities. Feet of snow and 70 mph wind gusts are likely, according to the National Weather Service. The combination of the snow associated with the bomb cyclone, very heavy lake-effect snow and the high winds will lead to deteriorating conditions. “Travel will be extremely difficult to impossible at times,” the weather service said
  • Extreme wind and flash freezing expected to wreak havoc in Ohio: Ohio will face a “unique and dangerous” situation throughout Christmas weekend, with flash freezing conditions beginning tonight and lasting through Friday morning, Gov. Mike DeWine said. DeWine said extreme temperatures will be close to zero Thursday night, adding that the entire state will be hit with flash freezing by 4 a.m. ET Friday. 
7:36 p.m. ET, December 22, 2022

Flight cancellations prompt some to drive home for the holidays: "I wanted to get home to our families"

CNN's Sara Smart

As winter weather prompts flight cancellations across the country, some are hitting the road instead to make it home for the holidays.

Alice Adkins Aldredge was in Chicago for the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic along with her husband, Tripp, and son, Greyson. Their flight out of Midway was canceled Thursday morning due to the weather.

Alice told CNN they have family visiting for the holidays, so it was important they got back to their home in Charleston, South Carolina.

“We decided to risk it on the road,” she said.

They booked a rental car and began driving around 10:30 a.m. CT. The plan is to drive 12 hours to Charlotte, North Carolina to drop off their friend, who caught a ride with them. They will then drive another 3 more hours to Charleston for a total of 15 hours on the road.

“Everything has been great so far,” Alice said, “We’ve gotten to see some sights along the way and we get to spend time together.”

Tripp told CNN that many other of their friends from the clinic chose to similarly take to the road, as there were no available flights out of Chicago.

Madison Painter and her fiancé, Tyler Logan, were among those in Chicago for the clinic. Painter told CNN their flight to Atlanta was canceled Thursday morning and rescheduled for 9 p.m. on Christmas Day. 

The couple decided, along with their friends, Calvin Scott and Brenda Simechak, to drive back to Atlanta, get their cars from the airport, and then drive another 3 hours to their home in Troy, Alabama.

“I was super worried we wouldn’t get a rental car,” Painter said, “I wanted to get home to our families.”

Luckily, they did manage to get a rental car and started their drive around 11 a.m. CT.

“It’s been crazy with the wind and snow blowing across the road,” Painter says.

To pass the time, Painter says she’s been watching the snow come down and texting with friends and family who are checking in. They’re hoping to make it back to Troy around 3 a.m. ET.

6:42 p.m. ET, December 22, 2022

How governors across the country are responding to the storm

From CNN's Amanda Watts

As severe winter weather marches across US states, here's a look at how some governors are responding to the storm:

  • Colorado Gov. Jared Polis activated over 100 National Guard members to support “extreme cold weather operations” across the state, according to a news release.
  • Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced Tuesday that the state will activate its severe cold weather protocol in response to potentially below-zero wind chills over the holiday weekend, according to a news release. The protocol will begin Friday evening and remain in effect through next Monday at noon.
  • Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency due to "historic low temperatures," forecast this week, the governor said during a news conference Wednesday.  
  • Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency Wednesday before extremely cold temperatures reached the commonwealth, according to a news release.
  • Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced Wednesday that the state has activated emergency response operations ahead of the winter storm. 
  • Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signed an executive order Tuesday to activate the state's Emergency Operations Plan to prepare for the extreme cold. The declaration will “ensure state resources are available and National Guard members are on standby for any needed response efforts across the state,” his statement said.
  • North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper signed a state of emergency Tuesday to activate the state’s emergency operations plan before icy conditions hit the western part of the state, the governor's office said. The move will also “waive transportation regulations to help the transport of fuel and critical supplies, help first responders and protect consumers from price gouging,” a statement read.
  • New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency beginning at 6 a.m. Friday due to the expected brutality of the incoming storm. 
  • Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency Wednesday for all 77 counties ahead of the approaching storm. The state of emergency temporarily suspends certain requirements for oversized vehicles that would be involved in power restoration or delivering emergency relief supplies, a news release says.
  • Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to ready resources in case of severe storms, flash flooding or other extreme weather, according to a statement from his office. The department has already begun to treat roadways across west and northwest Texas.
  • West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice declared a state of preparedness for all 55 counties in his state, directing state agencies to prepare personnel and resources to respond quickly in the case of an emergency.
  • Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed an executive order declaring an energy emergency in the state due to weather, according to a news release from the governor's office. In the event of power outages, the order would allow for the swift delivery of fuel products and streamlined restoration efforts.
5:20 p.m. ET, December 22, 2022

Winter storm’s impact on air travel is moving to the East

From CNN's Pete Muntean at Chicago O’Hare Airport

Travelers check the status of their flights at O'Hare International Airport on December 22 in Chicago.
Travelers check the status of their flights at O'Hare International Airport on December 22 in Chicago. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Flight delays and cancellations are becoming more widespread as the massive “bomb cyclone” winter storm system trucks east and threatens to derail the holiday travel exodus in large Northeast cities.

The Federal Aviation Administration has instituted delays for flights on the ground at Washington’s Reagan National Airport, Philadelphia, and Newark and John F. Kennedy airports in the New York metro area.

While there have been more than 2,200 flights canceled across the country as of 5 p.m. ET, United Airlines hopes it can limit the impact in the East. 

"We don’t expect a significant schedule pull-down for the East Coast region, but these situations are always fluid and have the potential to change," said United Airlines spokesman Charlie Hobart.

United Airlines has canceled a total of 350 flights systemwide. The airline said now the challenge is bitterly cold temperatures and heavy wind gusts.

The FAA said flight delays and cancellations that are spiking in Denver, St. Louis, Milwaukee and Chicago will now be driven by how quickly airports can de-ice planes as the plummeting temperatures associated with this storm system set in.

4:54 p.m. ET, December 22, 2022

New York governor declares state of emergency

CNN's Rob Frehse

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency and issued a traffic ban on part of Interstate 90 that begins Friday at 6 a.m. due to the incoming storm's expected brutality.

On Thursday, Hochul highlighted the quick changes in temperature and dangerous commute New Yorkers will face, adding that there will be a "full traffic ban on the 1-90 from Exit 56 to the Pennsylvania line" beginning tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. as well.

“The vacillation in weather, it’s going to be dropping drastically, over 35 degrees in some parts of our state, extremely low wind chills and we’ll have standing water and snow and dangerous road conditions,” Hochul said at a press conference. 

She also said New Yorkers should expect blizzard conditions and 1 to 3 feet of snow in some parts of the state.

The governor pointed to the importance of the state’s storm response, including the 2,000 snowplows being deployed, 24-7 operation centers established and the 7,500 prepositioned utility workers across the state.

"Even before the first limb falls, we’re ready to handle this, so we’re preparing for that,” Hochul said.

4:43 p.m. ET, December 22, 2022

Blizzard conditions are possible for multiple days in Buffalo, according to National Weather Service

A blizzard warning will take effect at 7 a.m. ET Friday for Buffalo, New York, and surrounding communities, where feet of snow and 70 mph wind gusts are likely, according to the National Weather Service.

The combination of the snow associated with the bomb cyclone, very heavy lake-effect snow and the high winds will lead to the deteriorating conditions. 

“Travel will be extremely difficult to impossible at times,” the weather service said

Snowfall totals of 1 to 3 feet are expected in the city and snowbelts south of the city. The blizzard conditions are possible for multiple days. 

“Very strong winds are expected to continue Friday night and Saturday with wind-driven heavy lake effect snows northeast of the Lakes. Heavy lake snows will last through at least Christmas Day, possibly lingering into the first part of next week,” the weather service said.

4:15 p.m. ET, December 22, 2022

Extreme wind and flash-freezing conditions expected to wreak havoc across Ohio throughout Christmas weekend 

From CNN’s Hannah Sarisohn 

Ohio will face a “unique and dangerous” situation throughout Christmas weekend as flash freezing conditions will start Thursday night and continue early Friday morning, Gov. Mike DeWine said.  

“We do face a crisis today,” DeWine said at a storm safety news briefing Thursday afternoon. “This is going to impact all the citizens of Ohio. Every county, from one end of the state to the other.” 

DeWine said extreme temperatures will be close to zero Thursday night, adding that the entire state will be hit with flash freezing conditions by 4 a.m. ET Friday. 

“When Ohioans get up tomorrow morning, the roads are going to be very, very dangerous and very, very difficult, DeWine said. “Flash freezing will occur very quickly. Roads will become dangerous very quickly. The obvious recommendation to everyone is to stay home. There is significant danger that could come from driving off the road.” 

DeWine acknowledged that people are expecting to travel over the Christmas holiday to be with loved ones, but he urged the public to be careful. 

“Understand these are unique circumstances, DeWine said. "We all have an urge to be with family and friends, but use common sense."

Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick said she’s not only concerned about flash freezing, but also falling temperatures and extreme wind chills, which are expected to last through Christmas Day. 

Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jack Marchbanks said 3,000 people and 1,600 snowplows are ready to work in 12-hour shifts until the storm is over.  

6:22 p.m. ET, December 22, 2022

Cold, wind, ice and snow: Here's what you need to know about the winter storm

A Chicago Transit Authority train arrives at the Roosevelt train station in Chicago on December 22.
A Chicago Transit Authority train arrives at the Roosevelt train station in Chicago on December 22. (Charles Rex Arbogast/AP)

A winter storm crossing the US is causing treacherous conditions on roadways, extensive flight delays and drastic temperature drops. Here's the latest:

Travel hazards: Officials in many states have urged residents to stay off the roads or exercise caution in the face of extreme weather.

  • Interstate 90 between South Dakota's largest cities has been closed due to "blizzard-like conditions" and stuck or stranded vehicles, according to transportation officials. Interstate 29 was also shut down in the state between Sioux Falls and the North Dakota border.
  • Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said that residents can expect roads to be dangerous to travel on, with ice and strong wind gusts expected.

Flight delays and cancellations: During a busy holiday travel week, airlines have canceled over 2,100 US flights as of 3:30 p.m. ET on Thursday and proactively canceled more than 1,000 flights on Friday, according to the flight-tracking site FlightAware. There are more than 5,700 delays across the US on Thursday as of 3:30 p.m. ET.

Bone-chilling cold and wind: Wind chill alerts now cover around 150 million Americans, or nearly half of the US population, according to a data analysis from the CNN Weather team.

Casper, Wyoming set a record low of -42 degrees Thursday morning. A record-low temperature of -20 degrees was registered for Pullman, Washington, which was 44 degrees below its average low of 24 degrees, according to the National Weather Service in Spokane. 

Meanwhile, much of northern Florida is under a wind chill advisory, while central Florida is under a freeze watch and hard freeze watch.

Crown Point on the Oregon coast is experiencing very strong wind gusts, with the National Weather Service in Portland saying a gust of 86 mph caused a corresponding wind chill of -14 degrees. The weather service said it "would not be surprised" to record a gust of up to 100 mph.

"Not our typical storm": Buffalo, New York — which is no stranger to snow — has declared a state of emergency as it anticipates the storm. A blizzard warning will go into effect at 7 a.m. Friday.

Forecasters anticipate strong, steady winds with gusts of up to 70 mph. One to 3 feet of snow is expected in the city of Buffalo and the favored snow belts south of the city, according to the weather service. Blizzard conditions could last several days, making travel extremely difficult or impossible at times.

3:47 p.m. ET, December 22, 2022

Nearly half of the US population is now under wind chill alerts

From CNN's Dave Hennen

Wind chill alerts stretch from coast to coast and cover around 150 million Americans, or nearly half of the US population, according to a data analysis from the CNN Weather Team. All but just a handful of states in the US are impacted by the alerts that stretch continuously from the US/Canadian border to the US/Mexican border.

Wind chills overnight dropped 70 degrees below zero in parts of Montana and Wyoming — a number rarely seen in the US. Current wind chills are between 40 to 50 degrees below zero through much of the Northern Plains and are below zero as far south as Dallas and much of north Texas. 

The amount of the population impacted will likely grow even higher as the Arctic front moves through the East tomorrow. Plummeting temperatures and dangerous wind chills are likely to continue through Christmas Eve and Christmas day across the eastern two-thirds of the country.