Severe Weather Alerts
What is causing dangerous temperature drops across the southern United States?
A polar vortex is pushing temperatures down to dangerous levels across the southern United States, extending as far south as the Mexico border. This extreme weather phenomenon has triggered cold advisories affecting more than 87 million people throughout 22 states. The severity of this cold snap is unusual for southern regions, creating hazardous conditions that require special attention from residents and authorities alike. The widespread nature of these extreme cold advisories highlights the significant impact of this weather system on a substantial portion of the country.
Watch clip answer (00:11m)
CBS News
00:00 - 00:12
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
How severe is the current winter weather across the United States?
The current winter weather is extremely severe, with wind chills in Montana plummeting to a dangerous -64 degrees on Tuesday. A major winter storm is affecting the southern United States, bringing snow and sleet to multiple areas and creating hazardous driving conditions that have already led to highway crashes in states like Arkansas. The widespread impact of this polar vortex has placed over 87 million people across 22 states under extreme cold advisories, with Texas experiencing temperatures as low as 19 degrees - a dramatic 40-degree drop from the previous day.
Watch clip answer (00:12m)CBS News
00:12 - 00:25
How will Texas temperatures change next week after the current cold snap?
After experiencing extreme winter weather with temperatures plummeting to 19 degrees Fahrenheit, Texas is expected to see a dramatic weather shift next week. According to CBS News anchor Ken Molestina reporting from Fort Worth, temperatures will rebound significantly, climbing back into the 70s. This remarkable temperature swing highlights the unpredictable nature of Texas winters amid changing climate patterns. The current polar vortex and winter storm conditions affecting over 87 million people with dangerous wind chills will give way to springlike conditions, demonstrating the state's notoriously volatile weather patterns.
Watch clip answer (00:04m)CBS News
01:47 - 01:52
How significant was the temperature change in Texas during the polar vortex?
The temperature change in Texas was remarkably severe, with reporter Ken Molestina noting that it was 40 degrees warmer just the day before. This drastic drop forced him to Google how to properly tie a scarf as he wasn't prepared for such extreme conditions. The sudden change highlights the unusual nature of this polar vortex hitting Texas, where such low temperatures are rare. The reporter's experience illustrates how the 40-degree temperature swing caught many residents off guard, requiring quick adaptation to the unexpectedly frigid weather.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)CBS News
00:47 - 01:02
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