Polar Vortex
How extensive is the winter storm affecting the United States?
The winter storm is affecting at least 20 states, stretching from Louisiana to southern Delaware as it moves eastward. The severe weather system has prompted snow and ice alerts across this extensive region, creating hazardous conditions throughout multiple states. Record cold temperatures are already being reported in many areas, compounding the dangers posed by the winter storm. The situation is serious enough that states like North Carolina have declared states of emergency to address the impacts of this significant winter weather event.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)
ABC News
00:00 - 00:10
How are Tennessee residents coping with the severe winter conditions and flooding?
Tennessee residents are facing extreme challenges with single-digit temperatures and flooding from a recent storm that dumped 8 inches of rain. One family reported using kayaks parked in their driveway to reach stores and obtain essential supplies needed to survive the coming days. This unconventional transportation has become necessary as floodwaters threaten to freeze over, which would prolong the crisis. The combination of snow on the ground and potential ice formation is creating particularly dangerous conditions, making normal travel impossible for many households in affected areas like Clarksville.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)
CBS News
01:14 - 01:38
How is the polar vortex affecting Americans across the country?
The polar vortex is creating stark weather contrasts across the United States, with millions of Americans experiencing severe winter conditions. The phenomenon has brought heavy snowfall to some regions while causing flooding in others, putting communities from Texas to the Dakotas under cold weather warnings. Residents are adapting to these challenging conditions in various ways - using kayaks to access supplies where flooding has occurred and seeking refuge in warming centers when left without power. The contrast between sunshine in some areas and snow in others highlights the widespread impact of this extreme weather event gripping much of the nation.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)CBS News
00:00 - 00:10
Where can people go during severe winter weather if they don't have electricity or heat?
In states like Tennessee and Kentucky, warming centers and shelters have been opened in response to the back-to-back storms causing flooding and power outages. These facilities provide refuge for those without electricity or heat during the frigid temperatures. However, many residents face a difficult decision as icy and snowy road conditions make travel to these shelters potentially dangerous. Local authorities are encouraging those without power to seek these warming centers, particularly as neighbors report struggles to meet basic needs like food preparation during the outages.
Watch clip answer (00:52m)CBS News
01:39 - 02:31
What are the impacts of the polar air mass affecting the United States?
A polar air mass is sweeping across the United States, triggering extreme cold warnings and watches from Texas to the Dakotas. Temperature conditions are dangerously low, with some areas experiencing 40 degrees below zero, Kansas City reaching negative 16, and Chicago at just one degree. These frigid temperatures are made even more dangerous by wind chill factors, creating potentially life-threatening conditions across multiple states. The widespread nature of this cold front affects millions of Americans who must take appropriate precautions against the severe winter weather.
Watch clip answer (00:19m)
CBS News
03:27 - 03:47
What weather challenges are residents in Clarksville, Tennessee currently facing?
Residents in Clarksville, Tennessee are confronting multiple severe weather challenges simultaneously. While snow may be an unusual sight for some in the area, millions of Americans are now dealing with frigid temperatures that are compounding existing problems. Prior to this cold snap, neighborhoods in Clarksville were already in a difficult situation due to recent storms that caused significant flooding. According to Nicole Valdez's report, conditions could deteriorate further as the snow and freezing temperatures add to the recovery challenges from previous weather events.
Watch clip answer (00:11m)
CBS News
00:34 - 00:46