Millions in US north-east brace for ‘once-in-a-generation’ Arctic blast

More than 15 million people in the US north-east were bracing for "once-in-a-generation" Arctic blast on Friday and Saturday, as meteorologists warned frigid weather could bring record-breaking low temperatures.

An Arctic cold front is expected to bring wind chills of -50F (-45C) in parts of northern New England, and the National Weather Service (NWS) warned dangerous wind chills were likely in an area stretching from northern Pennsylvania to Maine.

The frigid weather will continue through Saturday evening, the NWS said. The icy blast in the north-east comes after a winter storm left hundreds of thousands of Texans without power on Thursday, after ice storms killed at least 10.

"The wind chills have the potential to be once-in-a-generation cold," the NWS said, urging people to either stay indoors or take precautions against swiftly striking frostbite and hypothermia. The wind chill factor describes the combined effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.

In Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu declared a cold emergency for Friday through Sunday and has opened warming centers so people can get out of the cold.

In an advisory, the city suggested people wear several layers of loose-fitting lightweight, warm clothing.

"Wear mittens over gloves; layering works for your hands as well," the advisory said. "Always wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs."