Polar vortex brings record-breaking cold, deadly winter storms to the U.S.

By willowt // 2025-02-19

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A severe Arctic air mass is sweeping across the United States, bringing record-breaking cold temperatures and hazardous winter conditions to over 60 million Americans, following a deadly storm in Kentucky and West Virginia.
The extreme cold results from a weakened polar vortex, causing the jet stream to push cold Arctic air southward and breaking over 270 temperature records across at least 27 states.
Recovery efforts in Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia are complicated by the ongoing storm, with at least 15 people dead from flooding and two more from hypothermia, and over 4,000 customers without power.
Cold-related fatalities have surged in recent years, with deaths from cold weather complications doubling between 1999 and 2022, highlighting the need for preparedness and awareness during extreme cold events.
Essential safety tips include dressing in layers, staying indoors and using generators and heaters safely outside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Authorities urge Americans to prepare for life-threatening conditions and stay informed.

A powerful Arctic air mass is sweeping across the United States, predicted to bring record-breaking cold temperatures and hazardous winter conditions to over 60 million Americans this week. The extreme weather follows a deadly storm that left 15 people dead in Kentucky and West Virginia, with officials in 35 states issuing weather advisories. As temperatures plummet up to 50 degrees below February averages, the nation braces for one of the most severe winter storms in recent history.

The Arctic blast: A perfect storm of cold and snow

The extreme cold is the result of a weakened polar vortex, a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding the Earth's poles. As the polar vortex becomes less stable, it expands, sending cold Arctic air southward over the U.S. with the jet stream. This phenomenon is expected to break more than 270 temperature records across at least 27 states, threatening to bring wind chill temperatures as low as 60 degrees below zero in parts of Montana and North Dakota. The Arctic blast will collide with a storm system moving out of the Rockies, creating treacherous conditions from the Central U.S. to the Mid-Atlantic. "The bitter cold and snow will also complicate recovery efforts in parts of Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia, where communities are still reeling from deadly flooding caused by a storm over the weekend," CNN reported. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear urged residents to take immediate precautions, stating, "That should tell all of us the weather conditions are as dangerous as that water is. The Kentucky National Guard is transitioning from life-saving missions to recovery efforts focused on debris removal, restoring access and transporting supplies to affected communities."

Impacts and challenges: From recovery to preparation

The storm's impact is compounded by the ongoing recovery efforts in Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia. At least 15 people have died from the previous flooding, and two more have reportedly died from hypothermia as the Arctic front settled over the region. "If you cannot safely power your home by the middle of today, you need to be looking at a shelter option. You need to make sure you’re safe," Beshear added. In West Virginia, Governor Patrick Morrisey noted that one person remained missing in the storm’s aftermath. Emergency crews have been working tirelessly, with over 1,000 rescues conducted in Kentucky alone. Despite these efforts, power restoration is lagging, and just over 4,000 customers remain without power, according to Poweroutage.us. The upcoming snowstorm is expected to dump 3 to 6 inches of snow over much of flooded Kentucky and more than 6 inches in parts of West Virginia, further complicating the cleanup process. Meanwhile, states of emergency have been declared in Arkansas, North Carolina and Virginia due to the storm.

Historical context: The resurgent cold-related fatalities

Despite ongoing claims of rising global temperatures, cold-related fatalities have surged in recent years. A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showed that deaths from cold weather-related complications doubled between 1999 and 2022. This trend highlights the critical importance of preparedness and awareness during extreme cold events. The cold air will get more intense and expansive throughout the week, and about three-quarters of the U.S. population is expected to experience below-freezing conditions by Friday. Wind chill temperatures will make the cold even more dangerous, ranging from 30 to 60 degrees below zero in the Northern Plains and pushing below zero as far south as Texas and Arkansas by midweek.

Preparing for the cold: Essential tips for safety

To help residents stay safe during the extreme weather, authorities are urging Americans to prepare for life-threatening conditions by staying indoors, avoiding unnecessary travel and ensuring access to adequate heating. Here are some essential tips for staying safe from Duromax:

For yourself

Dress in at least two (if not three) layers, including shirts, pants and socks. Use cotton and/or wool materials.
Stay hydrated by carrying water with you.
Avoid alcohol, as it can diminish your ability to assess cold temperatures accurately.
Stay indoors unless necessary and limit your exposure to the cold.

For your home

Stay up to date on local weather forecasts.
Stock up on non-perishable food, ready-to-drink water and any necessary medicine, including supplies for your pets.
Have backup batteries readily available for radios and flashlights.
Use generators and heaters containing gasoline, propane, or kerosene only outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Keep an emergency kit for your home with necessary supplies for you and your loved ones.

Practicing generator safety

Follow the manufacturer's manual for proper usage and maintenance of your generator.
Determine the amount of power needed for your lights and appliances, and ensure your generator can handle the load.
Place your portable generator as far as possible from doors and windows, and point the exhaust away from nearby people.
Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors to alert your family before toxic levels are reached.
Never use generators indoors, as incorrect usage can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

As the nation faces one of the most severe winter storms in recent history, the importance of preparedness and safety cannot be overstated. By following these guidelines and staying informed, Americans can help mitigate the risks associated with the record-breaking cold and treacherous winter conditions. Sources include: YourNews.com CNNNews.com DuromaxPower.com