Snow and Cold Temperatures Come to Eastern United States

Washington, DC (HDW) December 22, 2004 - Winter’s first snow fell over the MidAtlantic states on December 19, 2004, covering the region with a dusting of white. Curiously, the Appalachian Mountains remain mostly bare, but snow covers the Midwestern states to the west. The above picture was taken by a NASA satellite on December 20, 2004 and processed at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland which is right outside Washington, DC.

Though the clouds had cleared, winter’s grip tightened over the Eastern United States. Frigid arctic air blew out of the north, dropping temperatures well below freezing. The effect of the wind can be seen in the clouds offshore. The clouds sweep to the southeast, following the direction of the blowing wind.

This storm will definitely make this a white Christmas holidays for Americans along the eastern seaboard. While many do not enjoy the cold, the scenery provided by the storm will make many children and outdoor enthusiasts happy.