Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended1548901793

US weather: Americans told 'not to breathe deeply or talk' outside as 'deadly' polar vortex causes temperatures to plummet

The US is experiencing some of the coldest weather in decades

Clark Mindock
New York
Thursday 31 January 2019 07:29 GMT
Comments
A woman cross country skis in front of the US Capitol as snow continues to fall in Washington, DC
A woman cross country skis in front of the US Capitol as snow continues to fall in Washington, DC (AFP/Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Parts of America are facing temperatures colder than Antarctica this week, as a cold front sweeps through the upper midwest.

US officials are urging residents from northern states to stay inside as the deep freeze sets in across the county, bringing with it life-threatening conditions.

A blast of Arctic air from the polar vortex is causing temperatures to drop as low as -40C (-40F), and in some cases even colder.

Read below for our coverage of the weather on Wednesday, as it happened

Please allow a moment for the liveblog to load

1548879971

Dogs are getting some love online as the polar vortex keeps most inside, except those brave dog owners who need to take their pups out to relieve themselves.

Check out this dog's scarf, what a fashion statement:

And this pup's sandwich bag mittens? Get outta town!

Clark Mindock30 January 2019 20:26
1548880242

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is standing by and ready for any major impacts from the polar vortex.

Clark Mindock30 January 2019 20:30
1548880800

Here is an amazing gif of Chicago's Lake Michigan, taken from a balcony just on the water.

Clark Mindock30 January 2019 20:40
1548884529

The extreme weather has hit parts of New York City, New Jersey, and other parts of the northern midAtlantic.

The squalls here in New York were pretty short lived, however — just about 20 minutes of snowfall in parts.

Clark Mindock30 January 2019 21:42
1548888506

Thanks for reading along, that's a wrap on today's coverage of the weather.

​Stay safe and warm out there!

Clark Mindock30 January 2019 22:48

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in