An extraordinary early winter cold spell has seized the eastern United States this week, shattering numerous low temperature records across the region while delivering extreme snowfall to several states.
Record-breaking cold temperatures
Eighty weather stations throughout the deep south either matched or broke their daily minimum records on 11th November, highlighting the exceptional nature of this cold outbreak. The chill proved particularly severe in northern Florida, where Jacksonville recorded temperatures plunging to -3C during early Wednesday morning. This reading marked a staggering 17C below the area's average minimum for this time of year.
Lake effect snow blankets Midwest
The frigid conditions generated extreme snowfall across parts of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. Areas bordering the southern and western coasts of Lake Michigan experienced a meteorological phenomenon known as lake effect snow on Monday. This occurs when cold air - which enveloped much of the United States this week - passes over the relatively warmer waters of a lake or inland sea.
The temperature contrast creates convection and heavy showers that travel inland downwind of the lake, potentially continuing for hours or even days. Snowfall patterns from this effect can be highly localised, presenting significant challenges for weather forecasters attempting accurate predictions.
Northern Indiana received the most substantial snow accumulations on Monday, with Cedar Lake recording 31cm (12 inches) of snowfall. A widespread area across the region received more than 25cm (10 inches). Chicago largely avoided the heaviest snow due to the localised nature of lake effect snow bands, though strong snow showers still deposited 5-7cm (2-3 inches) across parts of the city throughout the day.
Meteorologists even reported incidents of thundersnow, an unusual weather event where convection becomes sufficiently powerful to generate lightning despite snow falling. The lake effect snow bands diminished on Tuesday as the coldest air masses began moving away from the United States.
Typhoon Fung-Wong brings flooding to Taiwan
Meanwhile, Typhoon Fung-Wong continued its trajectory through the western Pacific after moving away from the Philippines on Tuesday. The storm altered course to the north, then north-east toward Taiwan, making landfall on Wednesday as a tropical storm.
Despite significant weakening in wind speed, the system delivered record rainfall to parts of eastern Taiwan. The town of Suao in Yilan county received an extraordinary 648mm (25 inches) of rain through Tuesday. Reports indicated floodwaters reaching 61cm (2 feet) deep inside homes, compelling 8,300 residents to evacuate to safer ground inland.
Although authorities implemented preparations, preliminary reports suggest 51 people sustained injuries during the flooding. Fung-Wong later weakened further to a tropical depression before dissipating on Thursday as it moved away from Taiwan in a north-easterly direction.
