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Severe Winter Storm Hits U.S., Travel Disruptions Expected

12/14/2025

36 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A severe winter storm over the weekend brought heavy snowfall and cold to U.S. regions, with temperatures rising into the 40s next week.
Chicago wind chills reached -20 to -25 degrees, triggering a Cold Weather Advisory.
Greater Cincinnati saw 4 to 6 inches of snow, causing travel difficulties and snow emergencies.
Delaware saw 1 to 5 inches of snow with cold, and the Lehigh Valley recorded 5 to 8 inches.

History

Historical Context

The Great Blizzard of March 1888 paralyzed the northeastern United States, dropping over 40 inches of snow and claiming approximately 400 lives. This storm followed a series of severe blizzards from 1885 to 1888, attributed to disrupted weather patterns after the 1883 Krakatoa eruption. Today's winter storm in Chicago, with wind chills of -25 degrees, highlights ongoing urban vulnerabilities to extreme weather.

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Story summary

A severe winter storm over the weekend brought heavy snowfall and cold to U.S. regions, with temperatures rising into the 40s next week.
Chicago wind chills reached -20 to -25 degrees, triggering a Cold Weather Advisory.
Greater Cincinnati saw 4 to 6 inches of snow, causing travel difficulties and snow emergencies.
Delaware saw 1 to 5 inches of snow with cold, and the Lehigh Valley recorded 5 to 8 inches.

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