Winter storm warnings have been issued for parts of 17 states as a powerful Arctic blast continues to grip much of the United States, bringing frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued alerts for Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, the Virginias and Wyoming.

In southeastern Texas and southwestern Louisiana, hard freeze warnings have been issued as temperatures as low as 9 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 13 degrees Celsius) are expected to cause a frost that could damage crops and outdoor plumbing.

Wind chill advisories are in place from Montana to Michigan, extending to the Texas panhandle. The bitter cold wind gusts raise the threat of frostbite on exposed skin.

The NWS has predicted the persistence of "brutally cold" temperatures until at least Tuesday. Another Arctic blast is expected later in the week from Canada, potentially bringing more dangerous cold weather across the Midwest and Deep South.

Several storm fronts last week covered many states with at least an inch of snowfall. From Monday into Tuesday, a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is anticipated to move across the south, Appalachians, and mid-Atlantic regions, including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York.

Parts of south-central Texas are expected to see a tenth of an inch of ice, while northeastern Texas and southeast Oklahoma could experience around half an inch of sleet and an inch of snow, along with ice accumulations.

Southern Arkansas may see up to an inch of snow and sleet, with winds of minus 5 F. Similar conditions are anticipated for northern Louisiana and Mississippi, with localized higher ice accumulations.

Northern Alabama into Tennessee could experience four inches of snow and a tenth of an inch of ice. Wind chills in some areas may reach minus 10 F, with potential snow accumulations of eight inches.

Wintry mix of snow, sleet, and rain is expected in far northwestern Georgia, resulting in two-tenths of an inch of ice. The border area between North Carolina and Tennessee might see up to eight inches of snow. Southeastern Kentucky could face eight inches of snow, with higher amounts at higher elevations.

Western regions of the Virginias could receive between four and eight inches of snow, accompanied by sub-zero winds, increasing the risk of hypothermia.

In addition, an Arctic blast is likely to generate heavy lake-effect snow downwind of the Great Lakes until Wednesday. Western New York could experience up to three feet of snow, causing challenging travel conditions and reduced visibility due to blowing and drifting snow.

Mountain regions of western central states continue to face persistent snowfall after last week's blizzard conditions. In southeastern Wyoming, additional snow accumulations of up to three inches are expected, rising to a further foot in the Sierra Madre and Snowy Mountain ranges. Wind chills as low as minus 40 degrees are also anticipated.

Eastern parts of Colorado might see up to six inches of snow, accompanied by wind gusts of 50 miles per hour. Mountain regions of central Utah may receive up to five inches of snow, with wind gusts exceeding 55 miles per hour.

The Arctic blast gripping the nation has raised concerns over the impact on energy infrastructure, particularly in Texas, which experienced a winter freeze in December 2022. Scientists attribute these extreme weather events to climate change's effects on weather patterns.

As the freezing conditions and heavy snowfall persist, authorities are urging residents in affected areas to take precautions, stay indoors, and stay updated on the latest weather advisories.