Winter Storms
What are the effects of the current polar vortex on US weather conditions?
The polar vortex is causing life-threatening cold across a vast region from the Canadian border to Oklahoma and central Texas. Wind chills have dropped to extreme levels, reaching minus 51°C in North Dakota and minus 46°C in Montana, prompting the National Weather Service to issue extreme cold warnings for an 11-state area. Meteorologists have identified this as the 10th polar vortex event this season, with Arctic air expected to bring near-record cold temperatures across the US midsection by midweek. This severe weather follows weekend storms that caused flooding in the eastern United States, creating compounding hazardous conditions across multiple regions.
Watch clip answer (00:49m)
WION
00:00 - 00:49
Which states are facing severe winter weather advisories and avalanche warnings?
Nebraska and Michigan are both under winter weather advisories, with ice and snow making travel treacherous across large parts of these states. The conditions are particularly hazardous for motorists and travelers throughout these regions. Meanwhile, avalanche warnings have been issued for numerous areas in the Rocky Mountains, with high danger levels specifically noted in portions of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. These avalanche warnings indicate serious risk in mountainous regions as winter weather systems continue to impact the United States.
Watch clip answer (00:20m)WION
01:18 - 01:39
What weather challenges are affecting the Central U.S. and Kentucky?
A brutal winter storm is sweeping across the Central U.S., with cold alerts extending from Canada to Central Texas. Sub-zero wind chills are affecting Montana and the Dakotas, while parts of the Central Plains are bracing for up to a foot of snow. In Kentucky, the situation is particularly concerning as thousands of residents remain without power or safe drinking water following deadly weekend flooding. The state now faces the dual challenge of recovering from flood damage while preparing for the incoming winter storm, creating urgent conditions for emergency response efforts.
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NBC News
07:24 - 07:52
How did all passengers survive when a Delta Air Lines jet flipped upside down in Toronto?
All 80 people on board survived thanks to advanced engineering and design features of the aircraft. According to Mike McCormick from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, modern aircraft are specifically engineered to handle such rare incidents, with structural elements designed so wings and tail break away during a tip-over. Additionally, the aircraft's seats are constructed to withstand impacts up to 16 times the force of gravity, ensuring they remain secured even when the plane is inverted. The seat belt systems and overall structural design created a protective environment that helped safeguard passengers despite the severe nature of the accident.
Watch clip answer (01:02m)
USA TODAY
00:28 - 01:31
What are the potential causes of the Delta plane crash at Toronto's Pearson Airport?
The crash likely resulted from multiple factors. Transportation correspondent Sam Sweeney explains it could be a maintenance issue or weather-related, noting winds over 40 miles per hour, snow, and ice at the time. The investigation will benefit from surveillance cameras capturing the incident and interviews with the pilots. The National Transportation Safety Board from the United States will assist Canada's Transportation Safety Board in piecing together what happened. All 80 passengers and crew survived, allowing investigators to gather firsthand accounts as they determine the exact cause.
Watch clip answer (01:07m)
ABC News
03:57 - 05:04
Where have avalanche warnings been issued across the United States?
Avalanche warnings have been issued for numerous areas of the Rocky Mountains, with danger rated high in portions of Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. Additionally, the Mount Washington Avalanche Center has issued a specific avalanche warning for areas of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. These warnings come amid extreme weather conditions across the US, including record cold temperatures resulting from a polar vortex. These hazardous conditions pose significant risks to outdoor enthusiasts and residents in these mountainous regions.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)
WION
01:33 - 01:55