Polar Vortex
How does this polar vortex impact Americans throughout the states?
The polar vortex is causing widespread disruption across the United States with school cancellations and work schedule changes being the immediate effects. One of the most significant impacts will be extraordinarily high electric bills as households struggle to stay warm in temperatures that plunged as low as -64 degrees Fahrenheit in Montana. This extreme weather event is far from normal for February, creating dangerous conditions that affect millions of Americans' daily lives. The severity of the cold snap highlights both the safety concerns and financial strain facing families as they navigate through this unprecedented winter weather phenomenon.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)
CBS News
02:43 - 03:04
How severe is the cold weather in Dallas due to the polar vortex?
Dallas is experiencing extreme cold with temperatures at roughly 19 degrees but feeling like 2 degrees due to wind chill. The reporter notes it's colder in Dallas than in Reykjavik, Iceland and Anchorage, Alaska. This cold snap has moved down from the north, affecting a large region from Wyoming to Oklahoma with heavy snowfall. The frigid conditions are impacting roads and travel, with high winds creating particular challenges for high-profile vehicles like 18-wheelers, though Texas highways are currently moving without major accidents.
Watch clip answer (00:52m)
CBS News
00:34 - 01:27
How is the polar vortex affecting temperatures in Dallas, Texas?
Dallas is experiencing extreme cold with temperatures at approximately 19 degrees Fahrenheit and a wind chill making it feel like just 2 degrees. The conditions are so severe that it's actually warmer in Reykjavik, Iceland and Anchorage, Alaska than in Dallas right now. This polar vortex is affecting a wide region from Minneapolis to Texas, forcing millions of Americans to navigate slick roads or stay indoors to avoid the dangerous conditions.
Watch clip answer (00:50m)CBS News
00:00 - 00:50
How long will the extreme cold temperatures last, and what changes are expected in the coming days?
The extreme cold temperatures affecting regions like Wichita, Kansas City, and Oklahoma City are showing signs of change in the next 6-10 days. According to the Climate Prediction Center, temperatures will return to normal along the East Coast, with areas from the Dakotas down to Texas expected to be above normal. This marks a significant shift from current conditions where temperatures are running as much as 40 degrees below normal, potentially breaking records for cold highs. Meanwhile, Miami is predicted to cool down slightly. This warming trend indicates the polar vortex's grip will loosen, bringing relief to the millions currently affected by the unusual winter weather.
Watch clip answer (00:32m)
CBS News
04:38 - 05:10
How does this polar vortex impact Americans throughout the states?
The polar vortex is causing widespread disruption across the U.S., with school cancellations, work disruptions, and rising electric bills. Temperatures have plunged to extreme levels, including a feels-like temperature of -64°F in Montana, with many areas experiencing 30-40 degrees below normal temperatures for February. This cold surge is sweeping from the Dakotas all the way to the Mexico border, affecting millions of Americans simultaneously. The weather system is accompanied by a winter storm bringing heavy rain to southern states, with cities from Oklahoma to New York experiencing unusually brutal cold conditions during what meteorologists emphasize is an abnormal weather pattern for this time of year.
Watch clip answer (01:45m)CBS News
02:43 - 04:28
What severe weather conditions are affecting millions of Americans according to meteorologist Jess?
Millions of Americans are experiencing dual weather threats: extreme chilly temperatures across much of the country and a significant winter storm. This storm has particularly impacted areas from Tennessee up through Kentucky, causing extreme flooding conditions. The cold weather appears to be part of a polar vortex system extending from the Dakotas to Texas, creating hazardous conditions that have disrupted daily life with school cancellations and transportation difficulties. These severe weather patterns have broken temperature records and raised concerns about rising energy costs as communities struggle with the widespread winter weather event.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)
CBS News
04:17 - 04:28