Winter Storms
What is the scale of the winter weather emergency currently affecting the United States?
The winter weather emergency is currently affecting 59 million people who remain under winter alerts spanning from Nebraska to North Carolina. The severe storm system is bringing heavy snow to multiple states, particularly impacting Kentucky. Officials are warning travelers about potential travel disruptions, noting that delays and cancellations could persist for days as the weather system moves through these regions. The widespread nature of these winter alerts indicates a significant weather event affecting a large portion of the eastern United States.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)
NBC News
04:30 - 04:48
How long will the extreme cold temperatures affecting millions of Americans last?
The extreme cold temperatures affecting millions of Americans are severe enough to potentially break records in areas like Wichita, Kansas City, and Oklahoma City, with temperatures 40 degrees or more below average. However, there are promising changes on the horizon. According to the weather specialist, when looking at the forecast for the next six to ten days, changes are expected that should bring relief from these frigid conditions. The current polar vortex and winter weather system won't be a permanent fixture.
Watch clip answer (00:37m)
CBS News
04:17 - 04:55
How is Texas's energy grid functioning during the current cold weather?
Texas's energy grid is currently operating normally despite the frigid temperatures. The correspondent reports that 'everything looks like it's running just fine.' However, the main concern now is how much the energy will cost consumers. Since Texas is not federally regulated when it comes to energy - described as 'a little bit of the wild west' - high demand during cold weather typically results in high prices. Residents are advised to monitor energy costs and consider adjusting their thermostats when away to save money.
Watch clip answer (00:41m)
CBS News
01:36 - 02:18
How is the polar vortex affecting middle America and the eastern United States?
The polar vortex is bringing freezing conditions with ice, cold temperatures, and snow across middle America and extending into the eastern United States. Millions of Americans from Minneapolis to Dallas are experiencing record low temperatures, with Dallas seeing temperatures as low as 19°F and wind chills making it feel like 2°F. Residents are bundling up and navigating slick, icy roads, though many are choosing to stay home altogether. The severe weather is causing school closures and raising concerns about Texas's energy grid due to unusually high demand. This significant weather event is uncharacteristic for February and is expected to continue with more cold spells predicted.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)CBS News
00:00 - 00:25
How cold is it in Dallas during the polar vortex?
Dallas is experiencing extreme cold conditions with temperatures at approximately 19 degrees Fahrenheit, but the wind chill makes it feel like just 2 degrees. The severity of this cold snap is highlighted by CBS News correspondent Omar Villafranca, who points out that it's actually warmer in Reykjavik, Iceland and Anchorage, Alaska than in Dallas, Texas. This unusual weather pattern is part of a polar vortex affecting multiple states, creating hazardous conditions and raising concerns about energy consumption and rising electric bills across the affected regions.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)CBS News
00:34 - 00:50
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.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)CBS News
02:43 - 03:04