Polar Vortex Grips US, Causing Chaos and Delays

Massive storm causes power outages and widespread travel chaos
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Jan 7, 2025 12:45 AM CST
Polar Vortex Grips US, Causing Chaos and Delays
"Aurelia Roma", a 1994 Italian marble sculpture by Manuel Neri, is wrapped for the season as she stands in the pool of the Estate House terrace surrounded by snow at Laumeier Sculpture Park in Sunset Hills, Mo. on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.   (Robert Cohen/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)

A polar vortex has blanketed much of the US with ice, snow, and intense winds, stretching from the Rockies to Maine. This frigid dip has rendered roads dangerous, forced school shutdowns, and caused widespread blackouts across several states including Kentucky, Indiana, and Missouri. The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings extending into New Jersey, citing blizzard conditions in Kansas and Missouri, with wind gusts reaching up to 45mph.

The harsh conditions heavily impacted key services. Some government offices were closed, and more than 1,400 flights were canceled nationally by Monday morning. Train service was also impacted. An Amtrak spokesperson noted, "If local authorities are telling people not to travel, it's counterintuitive to try to run a full slate of services." Meanwhile, in Kentucky, highway chaos persisted, prompting the state's National Guard to assist stranded motorists. In Virginia, state police responded to over 230 crashes in just 12 hours, while hundreds of car accidents plagued Kansas, Indiana, and Kentucky.

Meteorologists warn of continued dangers with the cold snap expected to penetrate as far south as Georgia, with temperatures dropping significantly below normal. Louisville and Kansas City shattered snowfall records, complicating recovery as road crews worked tirelessly. Despite the chaos, residents like Gary Wright in Missouri embraced the rare snowfall, using it as an opportunity to engage with family. President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the situation, ensuring federal aid is available to affected states. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

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