At a Glance
- A bomb cyclone slammed the Midwest, cutting power for 60,000 customers.
- New Jersey animal shelters scramble for 30 dog homes after snow damage.
- The storm threatens California wildfires and Alaska’s record snowfall.
Why it matters: Power outages, animal shelter crises, wildfire risks, and historic snow levels affect communities across the country.
A powerful winter storm that met the criteria of a bomb cyclone has rattled the Midwest, knocked out power for tens of thousands of people, and triggered a chain of reactions from animal shelters in New Jersey to wildfire evacuation notices in California. The same system is also pushing record snowfall into Alaska.
Nationwide Power Outages and Storm Impact
Forecasters described the storm as a bomb cyclone, a rapidly intensifying system that lowered pressure quickly. The combination of 75-mph gusts, heavy snow, and ice storms left 60,000 customers without power across the country.
- Iowa
- Nebraska
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Great Lakes
- Northeast
Nick Korstad stated:
> “When winds reach this magnitude, the entire house rumbles, the windows flex and you can feel the pounding of the waves against the sandstone cliff.”
He reported that the storm knocked out power for about 40 hours, darkening the lighthouse beacon and forcing reliance on oil lamps and fireplaces.
Local Stories: From Michigan to New Jersey
Nick Korstad, who lives on the Big Bay Point Lighthouse on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, reported the strongest storm since 2018, with gusts up to 75 mph that knocked out power for about 40 hours.
- Lighthouse beacon darkened
- Reliance on oil lamps and fireplaces
- Power outage 40 hours
In Newark, the Associated Humane Societies shelter faced roof damage from snow that fell from a neighboring roof onto the rear sections of its 125 kennels. Social media manager Olivia Gonzalez said repairs could not begin until the animals moved elsewhere.
Olivia Gonzalez said:
> “We definitely need to band together and move these dogs out of this building as quickly as possible.”
- 30 dogs fostered
- 6 new stray dogs added
Regional Weather Outlook
Wisconsin’s forested Northwoods are expected to see temperatures drop to -10°F with wind chills reaching -20 to -25°F on New Year’s Eve, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Cameron Miller.
| Region | Temperature | Wind Chill | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwoods | -10°F | -20 to -25°F | Power outages, safety warnings |
Snow totals in upstate New York could reach 3 feet with strong winds knocking down trees and power lines. A video shows a woman blown off steps by the wind.
Diane Miller told WKBW-TV:
> “I opened her door and the wind caught me, and I went flying.”
Alaska and West Coast Developments
Alaska’s Fairbanks recorded temperatures as low as -48°F, prompting the University of Alaska Fairbanks to postpone its New Year’s Eve fireworks show. Juneau shattered its December snowfall record, receiving over 63 inches (record 54.7 inches).
- Fairbanks: -48°F
- Juneau: >63 inches
On the West Coast, Santa Ana winds topped 70 mph and brought down trees in Southern California. Los Angeles County issued evacuation warnings for residents near wildfire burn scars, and law enforcement urged preparedness.
Key Takeaways
- 60,000 customers lost power nationwide due to a bomb cyclone.
- 30 dogs were fostered after New Jersey shelter damage.
- Record snowfall in Alaska and wind-driven wildfire threats in California.
From Michigan’s lighthouse to Alaska’s record snow, the storm’s reach is wide, reminding communities across the U.S. to stay alert, support shelters, and heed evacuation notices.
