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Historic Winter Storm Paralyzes United States
A massive winter storm fueled by a stretched polar vortex is sweeping across the United States, affecting more than half the country's population and prompting emergency declarations in at least 14 states. The system, stretching from New Mexico to Maine, has already caused over 800 flight cancellations today with more than 1,500 expected tomorrow, according to ABC News.
Polar Vortex: The Meteorological Culprit
The extreme conditions are being driven by what meteorologists call a 'stretched polar vortex.' Typically, this large region of cold, rotating air remains confined to the Arctic, but disruptions can send frigid air southward into mid-latitude regions. 'Iedere winter hoopt zich in het poolgebied op grote hoogte een bel heel koude lucht op, de polaire vortex,' explains Dutch meteorologist Peter Kuipers Munneke. 'Vaak blijft die koude lucht binnen het poolgebied, maar de komende dagen rekt de vortex zich uit naar het zuiden.'
According to AP News, this meteorological phenomenon is creating dangerous conditions across more than 40 states, with wind chills reaching -40°F (-40°C) in parts of Minnesota and North Dakota. Even northern Florida is expecting frost, an unusual occurrence for the typically sunny state.
Emergency Measures and Infrastructure Strain
States including New York, Texas, Arkansas, Virginia, Georgia, and Washington D.C. have declared states of emergency. Schools in Oklahoma City and Houston remained closed today, while road crews across the nation are deploying innovative treatments to combat the extreme cold. 'Strooizout is bij extreem lage temperaturen niet meer effectief,' notes the original report, explaining why some areas are using beet juice in Chicago and gravel on roads elsewhere.
The NOAA warns that the combination of heavy snow, ice accumulation, and frigid temperatures could cause prolonged power outages and make travel nearly impossible. The Weather Prediction Center has issued warnings for hazardous conditions through Monday, with some areas expecting up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) of snow.
Global Weather Patterns
Interestingly, the same polar vortex disruption affecting North America is also impacting weather patterns in Europe. 'Diezelfde vortex is momenteel ook uitgerekt richting Rusland, Oekraïne, Finland en de Baltische staten,' adds Kuipers Munneke, noting that severe freezing conditions are expected across those regions as well.
As millions of Americans prepare for what could be a historic winter event, authorities are urging residents to stock up on essential supplies and avoid unnecessary travel. The storm's impacts are expected to linger beyond Monday, with continued extreme cold forecast for parts of the country.
