A powerful polar vortex has plunged the central and northern US into life-threatening cold, bringing snowstorms, floods, and fatal accidents. The extreme weather has claimed at least 13 lives and caused widespread disruption, prompting emergency measures in multiple states.
Brutal Arctic Blast Grips the Nation
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued extreme cold warnings stretching from the Canadian border to Texas. Wind chills dropped as low as -60°F (-51°C) in North Dakota and -50°F (-46°C) in Montana on Monday, with even lower temperatures expected.
- North Dakota: Temperatures could plummet to -21°C to -28°C on Tuesday.
- Montana: Forecasted lows range between -20°C to -27°C.
- Oklahoma & Texas: Near-record cold threatens millions, with warnings of frostbite and hypothermia.
North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong has temporarily lifted restrictions for fuel delivery drivers to prevent heating shortages.
Flooding Devastates Kentucky and Appalachia
While freezing conditions grip the north, deadly floods have struck Kentucky and Tennessee, where storms dumped up to six inches (15 cm) of rain.
- Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed 11 deaths, nine of which were flood-related.
- West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has sought federal aid after severe flooding damaged 13 counties.
- Flood warnings remain in effect across Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Virginia, and Ohio.
In Atlanta, a person died when a tree collapsed onto a home during the storm.
Blizzards, Ice & Deadly Travel Conditions
Blizzards and icy roads have made travel treacherous across Michigan and Nebraska.
- A Nebraska state trooper lost his life responding to a crash on Interstate 80.
- Colorado has reported eight weather-related deaths since Valentine’s Day.
- Avalanche warnings are active in Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming.
- In New Hampshire, the Mount Washington Avalanche Center rescued two climbers buried by snow.
In southwest Detroit, a nearly century-old water main burst, flooding streets and homes. Firefighters rescued stranded residents, including one person trapped atop a car. The Great Lakes Water Authority is investigating the cause.
What Is a Polar Vortex?
A polar vortex is a massive swirling air system over the Arctic that usually keeps freezing air contained near the North Pole. However, disruptions in the vortex can send this cold southward, triggering extreme winter events in North America and Europe.
Scientists suggest that climate change may be increasing the frequency and severity of these disruptions. While this winter has seen record-breaking cold, global temperatures continue to rise, with January marking the 18th month in 19 to surpass the 1.5°C warming threshold.
Authorities Urge Caution
Officials are urging residents to:
- Stay indoors to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.
- Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors.
- Keep pets inside to prevent exposure-related deaths.
Emergency teams remain on high alert as the polar vortex continues its icy grip across the US.
