A polar vortex was expected to grip the Rockies and northern Plains after winter storms pummeled the eastern U.S., killing at least 10 people including nine in Kentucky who died in flooding.
Harsh weather moved west on Monday as a polar vortex was expected to grip the Rockies and northern Plains after winter storms pummeled the eastern U.S. over the weekend, killing at least 10 people, including nine in Kentucky who died during flooding from heavy rains.
The National Weather Service warned of « life-threatening cold » into Tuesday, with temperatures in northeastern Montana predicted to dip as low as 45 degrees below zero with wind chills down to 60 below.
Dangerously cold wind chill temperatures as low as 50 below zero were expected in most of North Dakota, which remained under an « extreme cold warning » along with large swaths of South Dakota and Minnesota, according to the weather service.
What’s more, the weather service said, « Heavy snow will move from the northern Rockies to the central Plains by early Tuesday. A swath of significant snow and ice will likely move from the central Plains to the Mid-Atlantic states Tuesday through early Thursday. »
Meteorologists said several states would experience the 10th and coldest polar vortex event this season. Weather forces in the Arctic are combining to push the chilly air that usually stays near the North Pole into the U.S. and Europe.
In Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear said Sunday that the death toll had risen to nine.
« I am sad to share some more tough news tonight, Kentucky. We just confirmed another weather-related death out of Pike County, bringing our total loss to 9 people. »
Beshear had said earlier Sunday that at least 1,000 people stranded by floods had to be rescued. President Trump approved Kentucky’s request for a disaster declaration, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate relief efforts throughout the state.
