Polar Vortex
What are the current weather conditions in the U.S. due to the polar vortex?
A polar vortex is sweeping across the U.S., bringing extremely cold temperatures from the Dakotas to the Mexican border. 'Feels like' temperatures have plummeted to -4°F in North Dakota and 14°F in Dallas as the afternoon approaches. This cold surge is affecting a vast region, moving southward through multiple states. According to meteorologist Jess, this polar vortex is expected to last for at least another day, continuing to impact daily life across these regions with record-low temperatures.
Watch clip answer (00:29m)
CBS News
03:04 - 03:34
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
How severe is the cold weather affecting Dallas, Texas?
Dallas is experiencing extreme cold conditions with temperatures at 19 degrees and feel-like temperatures of just 2 degrees. CBS correspondent Omar Villafranca reports that the situation is so severe that Dallas is actually colder than Reykjavik, Iceland and Anchorage, Alaska. This polar vortex has created brutal winter conditions across southern states, leading to icy roads, school cancellations, and concerns about energy costs on Texas's unregulated power grid.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)CBS News
00:21 - 00:45
How does the polar vortex impact Americans throughout the states?
The polar vortex has widespread impacts on Americans, disrupting daily life through school cancellations and work disruptions across the country. Particularly concerning are the anticipated spikes in electric bills due to extreme heating needs during record-breaking temperatures, with some areas experiencing feels-like temperatures of negative 64 degrees in Montana. The meteorologist emphasizes that these temperatures are abnormal for this time of year, creating unusual challenges for residents. The severe cold has transformed routine activities into potential hazards, affecting millions of Americans who must cope with this extraordinary winter weather event.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)CBS News
02:43 - 03:04
What is causing the extreme cold warnings affecting millions of people across the United States?
The extreme cold warnings affecting over 87 million people across 22 states are being caused by a polar vortex. This weather phenomenon refers to super cold air that normally swirls over Earth's poles but can escape and make areas extremely frigid when it moves southward. According to the National Weather Service, this polar vortex is triggering massive temperature drops, with wind chills potentially reaching 60 degrees below zero in northern states and even southern states experiencing wind chills in the teens. Additionally, a snowstorm is expected to develop near the Rockies and move eastward throughout the week.
Watch clip answer (00:31m)
CBS News
12:50 - 13:22
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