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Wednesday, February 19, 2025 by Willow Tohi
http://www.bugout.news/2025-02-19-polar-vortex-brings-cold-deadly-winter-storms.html
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 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.”
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.
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.
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:
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.
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Tagged Under: Tags: arctic blast, chaos, disaster, extreme cold, extreme weather, hypothermia, natural disaster, panic, preparedness, Safety Tips, survival, weather terrorism, winter storm
By Willow Tohi
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