BISMARCK, N.D. — A polar vortex has gripped over 95 million residents across the central United States, plunging temperatures to dangerously low levels. This extreme cold has led to school closures, damaged water pipes, and the opening of temporary shelters for the homeless in numerous communities.
“Our region is experiencing some of the coldest temperatures of the winter season,” stated Andrew Orrison, a meteorologist affiliated with the National Weather Service.
The frigid weather moved into the Midwest on Monday following severe storms that swept through the Eastern U.S., claiming the lives of at least 17 individuals. Wind chill factors in parts of the Midwest are reaching between -50 and -60 degrees, according to Orrison. As a result, numerous school districts across states like Oklahoma, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Missouri have opted to cancel classes or switch to online formats. In Kansas City, Kansas, shelter efforts included the setup of tents within local buildings to assist the homeless.
Forecasts indicate that the worst of the cold is expected to set in by early Thursday and Friday, but Bismarck, North Dakota, already recorded a shocking temperature of minus 39 degrees, breaking a century-old record of minus 37 set in 1910.
Stephanie Hatzenbuhler, who manages a family farm near Mandan, shared her struggles against the cold, which affects various daily activities including calving operations and the functioning of their coal-fired furnace. “You learn something new every time,” she remarked, referring to the harsh winter conditions, dubbing it “the Siberian experience.”
In Oklahoma, conditions rapidly turned hazardous with reports of freezing rain, ice, and snowfall in northeast, east, and central parts of the state. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol announced the closure of US Highway 75 due to numerous vehicles and semi-truck trailers being immobilized because of slippery conditions. “Our troopers are trying to send salt and sand trucks to treat the icy roads,” they stated on social media.
In upstate New York, predictions suggested that areas east of Lake Ontario could receive upwards of a foot of lake-effect snow. The situation resulted in travel advisories due to white-out conditions created by blowing snow. Across various parts of the U.S., snowfall accumulation ranged from about 3 feet in southeastern Wyoming to several inches in states from South Dakota to Missouri.
Kentucky is also preparing for a winter storm that may deliver half a foot or more of snow beginning Wednesday. “This is a snowstorm amidst a natural disaster,” remarked Governor Andy Beshear at a press conference. The state’s weather-related fatalities have now reached 14, with recent victims appearing to have succumbed to hypothermia.
In Virginia, officials are bracing for up to a foot of snow in the southern region of the state, following a recent bout of severe weather that included snow, freezing rain, and flooding. “If you aren’t already in a secure location by midnight, please stay put,” advised Governor Glenn Youngkin. Plans are underway to deploy the National Guard and stockpile supplies for those in need. Shelter resources for the homeless will remain accessible.
Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina declared a state of emergency in response to forecasts predicting up to 9 inches of snow in northeastern areas near the coast. Key urban locations such as Charlotte and Raleigh are expected to see lesser accumulations of 1 to 3 inches, while mountainous regions still recovering from Hurricane Helene may receive only a few inches. Stein highlighted concerns over potential power outages and hazardous road conditions tied to freezing rain.
In Tennessee, local officials noted no missing persons reports or fatalities following the failure of a levee in Obion County, where flooding impacted a small community. Mayor Steve Carr stated that the situation is “unprecedented” and has severely affected the lives of residents, although power has been largely restored.
In West Virginia, three storm-related fatalities have been reported in McDowell County, where significant road damage and challenges with public utilities persist, impacting schools and leaving many without power.
In Detroit, nearly 90 residents found refuge after a century-old water main burst, flooding their homes amid frigid temperatures. Emergency crews assisted in evacuations from submerged properties, with some individuals helped from their homes using boats and front-end loaders.
