Overview
- All 400 counties and cities are under alerts for an exceptional frost episode expected to persist into next weekend.
- Nighttime lows commonly drop below −10°C, with −15°C to −20°C possible in snow-covered areas, while many places stay below freezing during the day.
- Near-continuous black ice is the primary hazard, elevating accident risk and straining roads, rail operations, vehicles, pipes and unprotected vegetation.
- This weekend has brought blizzard-like snow showers with whiteout conditions in places, and authorities advise limiting travel to essential trips.
- Road-clearing and salt services are working around the clock, and forecasters see only tentative signs of easing after next weekend with any short-lived milder spell remaining uncertain.