Winter Archives

What is a polar vortex? US gets a taste of the Arctic this week

The term “polar vortex” usually refers to the gigantic circular upper air weather pattern in the Arctic region, enveloping the North Pole. It is a normal pattern that is stronger in the winter and keeps some of the coldest weather bottled up near the North Pole. But at times some of the vortex can break off or move south, bringing unusually cold weather south and permitting warmer weather to creep up north. This week, parts of the U.S. are experiencing 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.… Continue Reading

Winter storm that dropped record-breaking snow in New Orleans spreads into Florida and the Carolinas

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A major winter storm that slammed Texas and the northern Gulf Coast is spreading heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain across parts of the Florida panhandle and eastern Carolinas. Warning areas included big cities like Jacksonville, where snow, sleet and ice could accumulate Wednesday. Blowing and drifting snow was expected in eastern North Carolina with near-blizzard conditions in the state’s Outer Banks, where up to 8 inches of snow was predicted to fall. The National Weather Service says New Orleans set a record for snowfall on Tuesday, with nearly 10 inches. A blast of Arctic air has also plunged much of the Midwest and the eastern U.S. into a deep freeze.… Continue Reading

Heavy snow and frigid Arctic blast put 70 million across the U.S. under winter storm warnings

BOSTON (AP) — Heavy snow is expected to blanket large portions of the Eastern U.S. while much of the country will endure dangerously cold temperatures in the coming days. Winter storm warnings issued by the National Weather Service are already in effect for parts of the Mid-Atlantic and will begin Sunday afternoon in New England. Up to a half-foot of snow is expected in areas from Maryland to Maine. That will be followed a blast of frigid air forecasted for the Rockies and Northern Plains into New England. The Gulf Coast and Southeast could see an unusual wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain starting Monday in Texas.… Continue Reading