blizzard conditions
How severe is the polar vortex affecting the United States?
The polar vortex is causing extreme and dangerous weather conditions across 22 states, affecting over 87 million people. Wind chills in Montana plunged to a staggering minus 64 degrees on Tuesday, while a major winter storm is impacting southern regions with snow and sleet. The severe conditions have reached as far south as the Mexico border, with normally warmer areas like Fort Worth, Texas experiencing temperatures as low as 19 degrees. The sudden weather shift has led to treacherous road conditions, resulting in highway crashes in states like Arkansas, demonstrating the widespread impact of this extreme cold weather event.
Watch clip answer (00:12m)
CBS News
00:12 - 00:25
How cold is it in Fort Worth during the polar vortex?
According to the CBS News Texas live report, Fort Worth is experiencing extreme cold with temperatures plunging to 19 degrees as a result of a polar vortex. The weather is significantly colder than usual for the area, with wind chill factors dropping as low as -2 degrees. This severe weather system is affecting not just Texas but has placed approximately 87 million people across 22 states under extreme cold advisories. Despite the current freezing conditions, the forecast indicates a dramatic shift, with temperatures potentially soaring back to the 70s by the following week.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)CBS News
00:25 - 00:36
Is 19 degrees normal for winter temperatures in Fort Worth, Texas?
According to CBS News Texas anchor Ken Molestina, 19 degrees is absolutely not normal for the Fort Worth area. The anchor reporting from Fort Worth confirms this unusually extreme cold is part of a larger weather system, with over 87 million people under extreme cold advisories due to a polar vortex. The severity of this cold snap is highlighted by the dramatic temperature drop - just a day earlier, temperatures were 40 degrees warmer. This Arctic blast has brought dangerously low wind chills across multiple states, reaching as low as minus 64 degrees in Montana, making this winter storm particularly notable for southern states like Texas where such extreme cold is rare.
Watch clip answer (00:19m)
CBS News
00:25 - 00:44
What is the current crisis situation in Kentucky?
Kentucky is facing a severe weather crisis that has claimed at least 14 lives. The state was first hit with weekend flooding, followed by a snowstorm, creating dangerous conditions throughout the region. State officials have issued urgent warnings for people without power to find shelter and warmth, as temperatures have dropped below freezing across Kentucky. The combination of flood damage and winter weather has created a particularly hazardous situation for residents, especially those who have lost power.
Watch clip answer (00:12m)
CBS News
00:00 - 00:12
What is happening with the polar vortex in the United States?
A polar vortex is expected to grip the Rockies and Northern Plains regions following severe winter storms that pummeled the eastern United States over the weekend. The harsh weather system has moved westward after causing significant damage in the East, particularly washing out roads in parts of West Virginia. This extreme weather pattern represents a continuation of dangerous winter conditions affecting different parts of the country in succession.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)
WION
01:04 - 01:18
How is the polar vortex affecting middle America and the eastern United States?
The polar vortex is bringing freezing conditions with ice, cold temperatures, and snow across middle America and extending into the eastern United States. Millions of Americans from Minneapolis to Dallas are experiencing record low temperatures, with Dallas seeing temperatures as low as 19°F and wind chills making it feel like 2°F. Residents are bundling up and navigating slick, icy roads, though many are choosing to stay home altogether. The severe weather is causing school closures and raising concerns about Texas's energy grid due to unusually high demand. This significant weather event is uncharacteristic for February and is expected to continue with more cold spells predicted.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)
CBS News
00:00 - 00:25