Flood-ravaged states brace for winter storm and record cold

States recovering from recent floods are now facing a double blow as a winter storm approaches and an arctic blast threatens record-breaking cold temperatures.

(CNN)- States recovering from recent floods are now facing a double blow as a winter storm approaches and an arctic blast threatens record-breaking cold temperatures. The upcoming weather is creating a critical situation for emergency responders who are racing against time to complete rescues before the snow arrives.  

“We are still in the midst of this emergency response with a snowstorm coming,” Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) stated.

Forecasters predict a winter storm will intensify in the Plains today and sweep across the South tomorrow. Meteorologist Derek Van Dam warned, “That is going to make this a very difficult circumstance for the people ahead.”

Adding to the challenge, an arctic blast is expected to bring record-setting cold temperatures to much of the central U.S. Wind chills could drop to -60 in the Northern Plains and even dip below freezing as far south as Texas.  

“Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, the areas that have been hardest hit by the flooding could have record low temperatures over the coming days,” Van Dam explained.

The mixture  of floodwaters and extreme cold poses a significant threat. Experts warn that a wind chill of -20 can cause frostbite in just 30 minutes, and hypothermia deaths can occur in temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees, with water quickening the process.

Officials are concerned about the potential for power outages, the effects of the floods, and the dangerous combination of these factors with the extreme cold.  

“We don’t want to lose anyone to frigid temperatures after what we’ve been through with basically water rescues in the middle of a snowstorm,” Governor Beshear emphasized.