Extremely low temperatures are causing severe damage in the United States and Canada, and experts warn that any exposed flesh could freeze in only five to 10 minutes.

More than 135 million people had a winter storm warning issued for them this weekend as they prepared for the peak travel period of the year, all because of a severe Arctic winter storm. The warnings cover the whole country, from Alaska to California and from the Canadian border to the Sunshine State of Florida.

As the storm increases, major airports have canceled thousands of flights, according to BBC.

Experts predict that this Christmas will be the coldest in decades due to the current cold wave. Some regions of the nation may see temperatures between -50 degrees Fahrenheit (-45 degrees Celsius) and -70 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

Dangerous cold temperatures & winds will continue to affect and spread eastward through the day from the Rockies, the south, Midwest, Great Lakes & advancing across the eastern seaboard. This graphic is the forecast apparent temperature at 1 PM EST today. https://t.co/VyWINDk3xP pic.twitter.com/trOqw6c6Lt

— National Weather Service (@NWS) December 23, 2022

Experts Warn Extreme Cold Can Be Deadly

They cautioned that frostbite is a real risk anywhere, even in cities like Des Moines, Iowa.

In reaction to cold, the body reduces blood supply to the extremities, which may lead to frostbite. Typical early symptoms include a painful, chilly sensation in the afflicted area. If the damage is severe enough, surgery or even amputation may be required to remove the dead tissue.

Forecasters predict the winter storm will strengthen into a "bomb cyclone" by Friday. A bomb cyclone is a storm that develops explosively and fast, decreasing its central air pressure by at least 24 millibars in 24 hours.

On a Thursday White House briefing, US President Joe Biden noted that the winter storm of December 2022 "is serious stuff."

The NWS warned that "life-threatening wind chills" will hit the East Coast on Friday, describing the impending storm as a "once-in-a-generation" winter weather catastrophe.

The weather bureau has issued a winter storm warning that more than a hundred daily low-temperature records might be matched or broken during the next several days.

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According to a report from CNN, here's how several state governors responded to the severe winter weather sweeping through US states:

Colorado Governor Jared Polis deployed more than 100 troops of the National Guard to assist with "severe cold weather activities" around the state.

Due to the possibility of sub-zero wind chills during the holiday weekend, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont stated Tuesday that the state would activate its extremely cold weather procedure. Friday night will be the start of the procedure, which will last until Monday at noon.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said that a state of emergency had been proclaimed because of "record low temperatures" expected this week.

According to a press release, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear issued a state of emergency on Wednesday in anticipation of the winter storm in December 2022.

Freezing Christmas in Canada

Most of Ontario and some of Quebec, Canada, are preparing for a huge winter storm that is predicted to persist through the Christmas holiday.

CBC reported that a significant winter storm is expected to strike Toronto and the surrounding region in the days leading up to the holiday weekend, according to a winter storm warning from Environment Canada,

FlightAware reported 5,300 US flight cancellations on Thursday and Friday.

Major airlines, including United, Delta, and American, have promised to cover the cost of rebooking passengers who experience flight delays.

Morning Consult showed that 28% of American vacationers were planning day trips for the holidays, up from 14% in the previous year, per CBS News. The number of persons who intended to stay with relatives or close friends rather than in motels also increased.

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