As a potentially historic winter storm prepares to slam the United States, meteorologists have issued a startling warning that conditions could become so brutal that trees might literally begin exploding. The phenomenon, known scientifically as 'frost cracking,' occurs when sap and water inside trees freeze and expand, building immense pressure against the bark until it bursts from the inside out.
Meteorologist's Viral Warning Goes National
Meteorologist and social media influencer Max Velocity captured widespread attention this week with his unusual but accurate prediction. He warned that temperatures in the Midwest and Northern Plains are forecast to plummet to 20 degrees below zero Fahrenheit on Friday and Saturday, creating perfect conditions for this explosive natural event.
Velocity specifically identified Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, the Dakotas, and northern portions of Iowa and Illinois as the states most likely to witness trees bursting under the extreme cold. His post on platform X quickly went viral, being viewed over 10 million times since Tuesday and even sparking discussion on The Pat McAfee Show.
The Science Behind Exploding Trees
Meteorologist Adam Feick provided further explanation during media appearances, comparing the process to a can of soda left in a freezer too long. "When sap and moisture inside trees freeze suddenly under these conditions, the liquid begins to expand and build pressure against the wood," Feick explained.
He noted that while it's not a fiery explosion that could endanger nearby residents, trees in these extreme conditions could legitimately burst from the inside. "It sounds like a gunshot goes off as the bark is exploding a little bit," Feick described of the phenomenon.
The National Forest Foundation confirmed in a blog post that "there are numerous historic and current observations of trees exploding due to extreme cold." Social media users have responded to meteorologists' warnings with pictures of local trees that had been split open after 'exploding' on dangerously cold days.
Massive Storm System Threatens Millions
More than half of the United States and over 150 million Americans are in the path of the giant winter storm bringing feet of snow, inches of ice, and dangerous temperatures to the South, Midwest, and Northeast. Between Friday and Sunday, severe ice storms are predicted to slam the South, from Texas to Virginia.
Meanwhile, up to two feet of snow may blanket many areas from Colorado to Maine, with temperatures in states north of this storm falling well below zero, making it dangerous to stay outside for more than a few minutes.
Record Cold and Widespread Impacts
When the blizzard hits, temperatures are expected to plunge by as much as 30 degrees below typical January averages in the Dakotas and Michigan, with the wind chill falling between 35 and 50 degrees below zero in some parts, according to the Weather Channel.
Meteorologists in Minnesota warned that the Arctic air flooding in from Canada will make it feel like it's between 38 and 54 degrees below zero throughout the entire state on Friday. The National Weather Service has cautioned that "nearly everyone east of the Rockies" will see some effect from the snow, ice, or cold from Friday into early next week.
Regional Impacts and Emergency Preparations
In the southern half of the US, bracing for this storm, a state of emergency has been declared in South Carolina and Texas. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp asked residents of his state on social media to "take this time to secure food, fill up on gas and ensure you're prepared for any potential loss of power."
Snow is expected to start spreading across many areas on Friday, with heavier amounts developing over the weekend, especially Saturday night into Sunday in places like the mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
Snowfall Predictions Across Multiple States
In parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, and New England, snowfall could reach six to 12 inches or more, with some spots possibly seeing up to 24 inches or higher. Farther north and in the Midwest and Ohio Valley areas, widespread snow totals of six to 12 inches are likely across more than a dozen states, including Oklahoma, Kansas, and extending into the mid-Mississippi Valley.
In southern regions like parts of Texas, the lower Mississippi Valley, northern Georgia, and the Carolinas, the storm may bring more ice and sleet along with some snow, which could cause power outages and major travel issues even if snow amounts are lower there.
Historical Context and Regional Variations
Exploding trees have even been seen in the South, where trees in North Texas began bursting during a sudden cold snap in 2022, causing loud booms, snaps, and pops witnessed by local arborists. However, the phenomenon is more common in parts of the US where temperatures can fall to levels dangerous for both people and nature, including Alaska, Minnesota, and the Dakotas.
"I live in Alaska, and we have trees split or 'explode' from the moisture drying out inside the trunks during periods of cold temps," one person on social media shared, highlighting how this unusual weather event has precedent in particularly frigid regions.
More than 200 million people across parts of 30 states are in the path of the widespread winter storm predicted for Friday through Sunday, making this one of the most significant weather events of the season with impacts ranging from exploding trees to dangerous travel conditions and potential power outages across vast swathes of the country.
