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FLORIDA - A widespread early-season Arctic cold front is bringing heavy snow, record low temperatures, and unusual falling iguana warnings across the eastern United States.
A strong surge of Arctic air is spreading into the eastern two-thirds of the United States, producing early snowfall, disruptive winds, and cold-weather hazards from the Great Lakes to Florida.
Forecasters say the cold front originated in Canada and is pushing farther south and east than typical for early November, driving temperatures sharply lower.
A winter storm warning went into effect Monday for areas near Lake Michigan, where meteorologists anticipated up to 18 inches of snow and wind gusts around 30 mph.
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The combination of cold air and warm lake water created conditions favorable for thundersnow and intense lake-effect snow bands.
By Monday morning, several Midwest locations had already reported more than a foot of accumulation.
Travel conditions became difficult in cities such as Chicago, where the snowfall arrived much earlier than the average seasonal timeline.
Weather experts said Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana would see the most significant impacts, with cold weather advisories extending into Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia.
Florida faced an unusual seasonal concern as temperatures were forecast to dip into the 30s and low 40s in the northern part of the state.
Wildlife officials warned that iguanas can become immobile when temperatures drop below 50 degrees and may fall from trees when the cold becomes severe.
The cold air mass is expected to weaken by Tuesday night as milder air returns from the Plains.
Meteorologists noted the drop in temperatures may also help suppress late-season tropical development as the Atlantic hurricane season nears its official end.