Educational institutions and commercial establishments in the north central region of the country continued to remain closed on Thursday, February 1, owing to sub zero temperatures.
The polar vortex has wreaked havoc throughout the week, including fatalities, injuries and damage to property. The public were strongly advised against venturing outdoors.
Although experts have forecasted improvements in the weather over the weekend, hazardous conditions still persist with cold waves, heavy snowfall and record breaking sub zero temperatures, especially in the north east.
Highlights
- 21 lives were claimed by extreme weather, including an undergrad from the University of Iowa.
- A minus 38 temperature recorded on Thursday morning in Mount Carroll that has gone past previous coldest temperature in Illinois of minus 36. State officials are yet to confirm the findings.
- Sustained power outages were experienced in many areas. Officials requested the public to economize heat consumption.
- Educational institutions, commercial establishments and eateries remained closed on Thursday. Commercial establishments are expected to open doors again on Friday, February 1.
- More than 2000 scheduled flights had to be called off due to bad weather on Wednesday and Thursday.
- Severe weather was experienced across the east coast.
While bad weather has been cited as the main reason for many of the fatalities, investigations are underway to determine the causes for others. The polar vortex claimed lives in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Buffalo Area, Indiana, Milwaukee, Evanston and Williamsville, amongst other places.
Protective Measures against the Cold Turned Risky
Many had to be hospitalized due to exposure to carbon monoxide. In an attempt to ward off the cold due to the polar vortex, they had used their charcoal grills in addition to regular heating appliances, which exposed them to the harmful gas.
More Patients at Hospitals and Medical Centers
Frostbite and hypothermia got the better of a number of locals. Local hospitals saw a more than normal level activity with many admissions.
Falling Temperatures
Weather experts alerted locals in and around the New York region of falling temperatures, although not as severe as in the Midwest. Vermont, Rhode Island and Connecticut have already started making preparations by opening warming centers. Once again, locals were warned against venturing outdoors. Record snowfall prompted emergency declarations in many counties.
Temperature Highlights
- Rockford, Illinois: -31 °C
- Moline, Illinois: -33 °C
- Cedar Rapids, Iowa: -30 °C
Natural Gas Shortage
The outbreak of a fire at one of Consumers Energy’s production centers raised concerns over the supply of natural gas. Locals were strongly requested to economize the utility’s use. Natural gas production was also temporarily stalled as a precautionary measure.
Climate Change
Weather experts suggest that the polar vortex might have been caused by warmer climates in the Arctic region that forced gusts of low temperature polar air to be displaced down south.