National Weather Service issues stark warning as polar vortex brings 'life-threatening cold'
'Record-breaking cold' is set to hit central areas of the United States this week
The National Weather Service has urged people to 'prepare' properly for 'an Arctic air mass' expected to 'plunge into the Central US this week'.
You may've thought you were making it out of winter, alas, more cold weather is on the way and not just cold, but 'record-breaking' conditions.
What is the polar vortex?
The National Weather Service explains the polar vortex is 'a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth’s poles', which 'ALWAYS exists near the poles, but weakens in summer and strengthens in winter'.
"The term 'vortex' refers to the counter-clockwise flow of air that helps keep the colder air near the Poles. Many times during winter in the northern hemisphere, the polar vortex will expand, sending cold air southward with the jet stream (see graphic above)."
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"This occurs fairly regularly during wintertime and is often associated with large outbreaks of Arctic air in the United State."
Cold outbreaks caused by the polar vortex have occurred in 1977, 1982, 1985, 1989 and in January 2014 - so they're 'not something new'. And it's not just the US but 'portions of Europe and Asia also experience cold surges connected to the polar vortex'.
The National Weather Service reassures 'there is no cause to be alarmed when you hear about the polar vortex' but 'you should be prepared for colder temperatures,' temperatures which can prove deadly if you don't take them seriously.
Temperatures and where will be impacted
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) revealed 'an Arctic air mass is expected to plunge into the Central US this week' bringing 'record-breaking cold with dangerous wind chills as low as -60°F,' detailed in a post shared to Twitter by NWS Weather Prediction Center.
The post to Twitter on February 17 continues: "Heavy snow is expected from Kansas to Missouri on Tue, with snow and ice impacting North Carolina and southeastern Virginia on Wed."
It warns the 'wind chills' could reach between '-30°F' and -60°F' and will 'linger for multiple days,' the conditions potentially causing 'frostbite within minutes'.
"Snowfall rates of 1"/hr may lead to at least eight inches of accumulation (>60 percent chance)," which 'may create hazardous driving conditions,' particularly if the snow is blowed or drifts.
The National Weather Service resolves: "Check the forecast for your area on weather.gov to ensure you are dressed appropriately. It is also a good idea to check the items in your home and car emergency kits at the beginning of each winter season to ensure you are prepared for any type of hazardous winter weather."
Poppy Bilderbeck