freezing rain
How is the polar vortex affecting Middle America?
The polar vortex is bringing dangerous ice-cold temperatures and snowfall across Middle America, from Minneapolis down to Dallas. This severe weather system is affecting tens of millions of Americans who are now dealing with slick roads and freezing conditions. The impact extends across various parts of Middle America and even into the eastern part of the country, causing residents to bundle up as they navigate hazardous travel conditions. With temperatures dropping significantly, this winter storm has disrupted daily activities across multiple states.
Watch clip answer (00:16m)
CBS News
00:00 - 00:16
What happened during the crash landing of Delta Airlines Flight 4819 in Toronto?
Delta Airlines Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air, crashed while landing in Toronto under severe winter weather conditions. The plane encountered challenging circumstances with 20-30 mph winds (gusts up to 40 mph), a snow-covered runway, and temperatures around 18°F (-2°C). According to passenger John Nelson, the aircraft hit the runway extremely hard, briefly popped up, and started leaning to the left. The situation quickly deteriorated as the plane completely flipped upside down and burst into flames. Despite the catastrophic nature of the crash, the incident appears to have resulted in no fatalities, highlighting the effectiveness of emergency response procedures.
Watch clip answer (00:45m)
Philip DeFranco
00:08 - 00:54
What is the current death toll in Kentucky from the winter storm and what additional weather challenges is the state facing?
Kentucky is experiencing a severe winter crisis with the death toll rising to at least 14, according to Governor Andy Beshear. This includes two new deaths reported since Monday. The situation remains critical as the state remains under a winter storm threat until Wednesday. Residents face additional challenges with 3 to 5 inches of snow expected to fall Tuesday night, while many areas are already experiencing below freezing temperatures. State officials are urgently warning people without power to find warm shelter as the dangerous conditions persist.
Watch clip answer (00:28m)
CBS News
19:02 - 19:31
What are the impacts of the severe winter storm affecting the heartland of America?
The massive winter storm has created treacherous conditions across multiple states, turning roads in Oklahoma City into ice rinks with vehicles losing control. Interstate 40 has been reduced to one lane due to accidents, including a Lowe's truck spinning out and an 18-wheeler sideswiping a plow truck. The storm is bringing significant snowfall—up to a foot in Kansas and two feet in the Rockies—while Chicago experienced wind chills of 21 below zero. The death toll in Kentucky has risen to at least 14, and officials in affected areas are urging drivers to stay off roads as blowing snow continues.
Watch clip answer (01:09m)
ABC News
00:32 - 01:41
What is the scope and impact of the current winter storm in the United States?
The current winter storm is affecting 100 million Americans across 25 states, with severe weather conditions extending from Montana down to Texas and eastward to the mid-Atlantic region. The storm is bringing dangerous snow and ice accumulation to multiple regions, creating hazardous travel conditions with ice-covered roads in Oklahoma City where a semi-truck was reported sideways on Interstate 40. Extreme cold temperatures accompany this weather system, with wind chills plummeting to 21 degrees below zero in Chicago and feeling like just 1 degree in Dallas. Whiteout conditions have been reported in Oswego County, New York, with lake effect snow expected to continue through the following morning, creating widespread dangerous winter conditions throughout much of the country.
Watch clip answer (00:25m)ABC News
00:00 - 00:25
What areas are affected by the massive winter storm and what are the expected impacts?
The massive winter storm is affecting areas from Oklahoma City to Virginia Beach, with winter storm warnings in place across multiple states. The Ozarks have already received 4-5 inches of snow, and the storm is moving east along I-40, reaching Nashville in the early morning hours, creating difficult commuting conditions. As it progresses eastward, Norfolk and Virginia Beach will experience problems with sleet and freezing rain. Areas south of there along I-95 will face hazardous conditions. The storm brings record cold temperatures from Baton Rouge to Omaha, affecting approximately 100 million Americans across 25 states.
Watch clip answer (00:39m)ABC News
01:51 - 02:31