Polar Vortex Brings Snow, Ice and Cold Weather to South/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A polar vortex is set to bring bitter cold and snow to the southern U.S., with temperatures plunging into the teens and twenties. The storm has already caused significant disruptions nationwide, including power outages, dangerous roads, and thousands of flight cancellations. Snow and ice are expected to impact Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana, while much of the South faces hazardous conditions.
Winter Storm in Southern U.S.: Quick Looks
- Cold Blast: Wind chills will dip into the teens across the Gulf Coast.
- Snowfall Expected: Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas may see up to 5 inches of snow.
- Widespread Disruptions: Thousands of flights canceled, schools closed, and major highways shut down.
- Polar Vortex: Frigid air from the Arctic intensifies winter’s reach across the South.
- Power Outages: Over 218,000 customers without power across several states.
- Emergency Declarations: States like Kentucky and Maryland declared emergencies amid treacherous conditions.
Polar Vortex Brings Snow, Ice and Cold Weather to South
Deep Look
The southern United States is bracing for the next wave of a powerful winter storm system that has already battered much of the country with snow, ice, and bone-chilling cold. Beginning Tuesday, temperatures are expected to plunge across the Gulf Coast, with areas like Texas and Louisiana facing rare winter conditions.
Arctic Blast Grips the Nation
The storm, fueled by a polar vortex pushing southward, has blanketed roads, caused power outages, and paralyzed transportation in regions unaccustomed to such frigid weather. Wind chills in Texas’ capital of Austin are forecasted to drop as low as 15°F (-9.4°C). By midweek, a low-pressure system forming near south Texas is expected to bring snow to Dallas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
The National Weather Service predicts up to 5 inches of snow in North Texas by Thursday, with similar accumulations in parts of Arkansas and Oklahoma. These conditions come on the heels of a weekend that left much of the U.S. in a deep freeze, forcing closures and creating hazardous travel conditions.
Nationwide Disruptions
As the storm swept across the country, it left a trail of chaos:
- Flight Cancellations: More than 2,300 flights were canceled, with delays affecting over 9,000 more.
- Treacherous Roads: Icy highways led to hundreds of accidents in Virginia, Kentucky, and Indiana. In Kansas, blizzard conditions caused two deadly crashes over the weekend.
- Power Outages: Over 218,000 customers were without power Monday night, spanning Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, West Virginia, and beyond.
Transportation Chaos
Winter weather snarled transportation across multiple states, with major highways closed and snow plows struggling to keep up with relentless snowfall. In Indiana, roads like Interstate 64 and U.S. Route 41 were nearly impassable as snow quickly covered plowed areas.
In Kentucky, a truck stop near Cincinnati became a makeshift haven for stranded drivers. Michael Taylor, a trucker from Los Angeles, described pulling off I-75 after encountering icy windshields and seeing cars stuck in ditches. “It was too dangerous. I didn’t want to kill myself or anyone else,” he said.
Virginia State Police responded to at least 430 crashes, including one fatal accident. Similar incidents occurred in West Virginia and North Carolina, where icy roads claimed lives.
Impact on Schools and Infrastructure
School closures were widespread, affecting students in Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, and Missouri. Kentucky’s Jefferson County Public Schools canceled classes for its nearly 100,000 students, while Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency and closed government offices.
In Richmond, Virginia, a power outage caused a citywide water system malfunction. Officials urged residents to boil water before drinking or cooking and conserve water wherever possible, including limiting shower times.
Looking Ahead
The storm’s effects are expected to linger through the week, with dangerously low temperatures gripping the Central Plains and Mississippi Valley. The National Weather Service warned of additional snow and ice, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic, where some areas could see 6 to 12 inches of snow.
In Texas, cities like Dallas and Austin are bracing for snow and icy conditions. Local officials are urging residents to stay indoors, prepare for possible power outages, and avoid unnecessary travel.
A Broader Context
Meteorologists link the increasing frequency of polar vortex disruptions to Arctic warming. The phenomenon, which typically confines cold air near the North Pole, has become more unstable, occasionally plunging frigid air into the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
This latest storm has highlighted vulnerabilities in infrastructure and emergency preparedness in regions less accustomed to severe winter weather. With cold weather advisories extending into Florida, even typically warm states are feeling the brunt of the storm.
As the South braces for more snow and ice, residents are urged to exercise caution, monitor weather updates, and stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.