An Arctic cold front invades the U.S., bringing snowfall as early as Election Day in the northern states. In the Northeast, frigid temperatures make even brief trips outside unbearable, with the Long Island Sound freezing solid enough to be crossed by car or truck for the first time in decades. Throughout the Northwest, temperatures plummet dramatically and nighttime lows drop to minus 45 degrees. Livestock left outdoors are at high risk of death by hypothermia expect to hear about the ears and tails of cattle literally freezing and dropping off. By Thanksgiving, the icy air pocket settles over the Midwest.
Mercury thermometers become unusable as the molten metal inside freezes up and shatters the glass.
Toward the end of the month, expect ice-floe sightings off the Carolinas and snow flurries as far south as Miami. Only the Southwest is temporarily spared the fierce early winter conditions. The Christmas Blizzard of 2000 is expected to dump up to 12 feet of snow in several northern states, including the Dakotas, Montana, Maine, Idaho and Nebraska. Record accumulations are anticipated in the lower states as well. The Midwest will be pounded by snowstorms, creating a situation that will likely cripple commerce, close roads and leave millions unable to get food and other needed supplies.