POLAR VORTEX
The brutal storm system is the result of a stretched “polar vortex,” an Arctic region of cold, low-pressure air that normally forms a relatively compact, circular system but sometimes stretches into a more oval shape, sending cold air spilling across North America.
Scientists say the increasing frequency of such disruptions of the polar vortex may be linked to climate change, though the debate is not yet settled and natural variability also plays a role.
But US President Donald Trump – who scoffs at climate change science and has rolled back green energy policies — wasted no time in questioning how the cold front fit into broader climate shifts.
“Record Cold Wave expected to hit 40 States. Rarely seen anything like it before. Could the Environmental Insurrectionists please explain – WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING???,” the Republican leader posted on his platform Truth Social.
State officials were more focused on the immediate threats the powerful storm posed to residents, with at least 14 states from the south to the northeast as well as Washington DC declaring states of emergency.
Political leaders across the country were encouraging people to stock up on food and dry goods, prepare emergency first aid and supply kits and keep their vehicle gas tanks full to prevent fuel lines from freezing.
