Stormy late-January setup raises risk for snow and ice impacts; plus a 12-year old fighting for his life after shark attack
·6 min
This episode of AccuWeather Daily begins with a sponsor message from Factor before diving into weather news. The host describes a changing weather setup that favors large storm systems capable of spreading snow, ice, and rain from the mountainous Northwest into the Plains and East. Through midweek, cold Arctic air and snow will impact the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast, with lake-effect snow reducing visibility and making travel hazardous. AccuWeather forecaster Peyton Simmers notes cold air will remain in place this weekend, with a potential storm bringing snow to the eastern U.S. The threat of frostbite and hypothermia grows as the cold strengthens, and increased heating usage is expected across a third of the nation. From Friday into the weekend, a far-reaching storm is expected to swing from the Rocky Mountains into the Plains before barreling across the eastern U.S., with wintry impacts likely along its track. Residents from Colorado to New England are urged to stay alert for updates, especially regarding ice threats. AccuWeather's Alex Cisnowski says ingredients are coming together for a long-duration storm bringing substantial snow, sleet, and freezing rain from Texas through the Mississippi Valley to the East. The storm could bring snow and ice deep into Texas and along Interstate 10, 20, 81, and 95 corridors, with cold air following potentially causing infrastructure damage and travel difficulties. A notable dip in the jet stream will reinforce cold air from Canada, possibly leading to the most substantial cold expanse of the winter later this week. AccuWeather long-range forecaster Joe Lundberg predicts below-average temperatures for much of the eastern two-thirds of the U.S. in February, with above-average temperatures west of the Rockies. The episode then shifts to news from Australia, where a 12-year-old boy is in critical condition after a shark attack off Sydney's coast. Emergency services responded to Hermitage Foreshore Walk near Shark Beach, where the boy was bitten and rescued by Marines. Police used two tourniquets for serious leg injuries before hospital transport, with authorities suspecting a bull shark. The episode concludes with reminders to visit AccuWeather.com and download the app for forecasts.
