Millions across US face freezing temperatures as south experiences rare snowfall

"The US continues to be at the mercy of freezing temperatures across much of the country, stretching from the north-east all the way into the south and putting approximately 150 million people under cold weather advisories and extreme cold warnings. Florida's uncharacteristic cold snap has led to some rare sightings: snowflakes and falling iguanas. In Miami and Orlando, the lows dropped to 35F (1.7C) and 24F (-4.4C), respectively, undoubtedly disappointing the vacationers who sought to go to the Sunshine state."

"More stunned than the Florida tourists, however, were the iguanas: in temperatures this low, the cold-blooded reptiles become paralyzed and drop from the trees. Though it is upsetting to witness, wildlife officials noted that the iguanas were not dead, and regain mobility once temperatures rise again. Due to the unusually cold conditions, the Florida fish and wildlife conservation commission (FWC) has been allowing residents to capture and transport the non-native reptiles to five designated FWC offices over the weekend."

"A bomb cyclone, classified by meteorologists as an intense, rapidly strengthening weather system, contributed to heavy snow across the south, including nearly 1ft (30cm) in and around Charlotte, North Carolina's largest city. The National Weather Service office for Raleigh warned that wind chills will drop early Monday to near 0F. Snow and ice will linger, with refreezing tonight making travel hazardous, the office said on Sunday on social media."

Extremely cold temperatures covered much of the United States, placing roughly 150 million people under cold weather advisories and extreme cold warnings. Florida experienced rare snowflakes and falling iguanas as cold-blooded reptiles became temporarily paralyzed, prompting the FWC to permit residents to transport non-native iguanas to five offices; one office in Sunrise received over 1,000. A bomb cyclone produced heavy southern snowfall, including nearly 1ft around Charlotte, while the National Weather Service warned wind chills near 0F and hazardous refreezing. The storms have been linked to over 110 deaths and widespread power outages.

Read at www.theguardian.com