Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

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

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

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

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

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

Clark Mindock30 January 2019 20:30

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

Clark Mindock30 January 2019 20:40

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

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