snowfall
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.
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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.
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CBS News
00:34 - 01:27
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.
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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 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.
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CBS News
12:50 - 13:22
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