Record Alaska Storm to Help Return Cold, Lake-Effect Snow to Midwest, Eastern US

The record-tying strongest storm to impact Alaska will be responsible for ushering one of the coldest air masses so far this season into the Midwest and eastern United States. The powerful storm strengthened over the weekend across the Bering Sea, tying the record for the strongest storm to ever impact the region. On Saturday night, the Ocean Prediction Center analyzed the central area of low pressure to be 924 millibars (27.29 inches of Hg). That matches the central pressure of ex-Super Typhoon Nuri from a little over a year ago. "The intensity of a storm is measured by the central pressure, with the lower pressure equating to a stronger system," stated AccuWeather Meteorologist Renee Duff. Wave heights were in excess of 40 feet in the Bering Sea, while winds gusted to 122 mph at Adak Island, Alaska, on Saturday night. While the storm has reached its peak and will not break the record, it will remain noteworthy as it opens the door for cold air to once again pour into the Midwest and eastern United States