By EMILIE MEGNIEN, JEFF AMY and JAMIE STENGLE Associated Press
Forecasters say over half the U.S. population could be affected by snow, ice or bitter cold as a winter storm sweeps across the county. On Friday, schools in Chicago and other cities canceled classes due to extreme cold. Then the storm is forecast to bring snow, sleet, and ice from Texas to New England. Forecasters warn the damage could rival a hurricane, especially in areas hit by ice. More than 1,000 flights were delayed or canceled Friday, with more expected Saturday. People are stocking up on water, food and generators as they prepare for the storm.
Rain and snow is falling across Southern California while the northern half of the state has turned windy and frosty in the aftermath of the weather system. The California Highway Patrol escorted Interstate 5 traffic over Tejon Pass north Los Angeles early Monday due to snow. Chains are required for travel on several other Southern California mountain routes. The low-pressure system moved through Northern California on Sunday, leaving blustery and cold conditions in its wake. Across the state line, temperatures dipped below zero across parts of northern Nevada early Monday and Reno forecasters warn that lows Monday night into Tuesday could be the coldest some locations have seen in five to 10 years.
