America will be hit by a -45F (-42C) "second winter" as three major storms steamroll the nation loaded with Arctic winds, snow and ice.
Millions of Americans are urged to "cover as much skin as possible" as sub-zero temperatures bring the freak risk of frostbite.
Winter storm Harlow will be chased by Iliana before the US braces for a third as winter makes a furious comeback.
Weather Company meteorologist Chris Dolce said: “If the warm weather, or ‘fool’s spring’, over the past week has you rushing to plant spring flowers, you may want to look at the forecast first.
The National Weather Service (NOAA) has issued various winter weather alerts for snow and ice
NOAA
“The first of a few winter storms will hit the country this week and into the weekend. It is a second winter.”
Heavy widespread snow and ice storms threaten mayhem across more than 20 states while rain to the west raises a flood risk.
The first storm named by The Weather Company, Harlow will hit during the next 24 hours followed at the weekend by Iliana.
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Multiple storms are lined up to bulldoze the US through the end of winter as national weather forecasters issue a raft of alerts.
Weather Company meteorologist Jonathan Erdman said: “Winter Storm Harlow will impact the mid-Atlantic through early Wednesday, and it is the first of multiple storms to hit the country, ushering an icy mess across the mid-Atlantic where millions face a commuting headache.
“Hot on its heels is a separate winter storm named Iliana and a third one behind it.
“The National Weather Service (NOAA) has issued various winter weather alerts for snow and ice from the Rockies Front Range to the Plains and Great Lakes, and these areas could see hazardous travel, with the worst conditions expected in areas under winter storm warnings.”
Temperatures will plumet below freezing across swathes of the country with vicious windchills
THE WEATHER CHANNEL
NOAA has weather warnings in force across the nation for heavy snow, flooding, winter storms and extreme cold.
Temperatures will plumet below freezing across swathes of the country with vicious windchills making it feel close to -45F.
A NOAA spokesman said: “The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 45F below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as five minutes.
“Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.”
Freezing rain will dump hulking sheets of ice over trees and powerlines causing them to topple under the weight.
Cold air from the north will battle warmer, more volatile southerly winds to trigger violent thunderstorms, NOAA warned.
A spokesman said: “Moisture from the Gulf will stream northward over the Southern Plains, Lower Mississippi Valley, and the Southeast aiding showers and severe thunderstorms.
“Snow will spread into much of the Western US on Thursday and Friday with the heaviest snow expected in the Sierra Nevada and Northern California mountains.
Cold air from the north will battle warmer, more volatile southerly winds to trigger violent thunderstorms
ACCUWEATHER
“Heavy snow could cause dangerous travel at many mountain passes due to snow-covered roads and low visibility, and significant snow is likely in the mountains of Utah and western Colorado.”
Weather Company meteorologist Jennifer Gray added: “We are going to have significant travel issues due to Winter Storm Harlow.
“The snowfall is going to be a wet, heavy snow, so that is going to weight down those tree branches and power lines and could lead to power outages.
“Ice accumulation could cause some significant issues on the roads.”
