NASA image shows severe cold weather gripping the US this week

A powerful winter storm has caused temperatures in the northern Midwest to drop as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm has brought heavy snowfall, with some areas in Kansas receiving up to 18 inches. As of January 8, Winter Storm Watches and Advisories are in effect for large areas of the Southeast, New Mexico, Texas, Montana, and the Northeast. More snow and freezing rain are expected in the Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley later this week. In California, strong Santa Ana winds have fueled four wildfires in Los Angeles, resulting in two fatalities and over 1,000 destroyed structures. The fires remain uncontained, with critical fire weather conditions expected to persist.