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Forecasters Predict 'Possibly Life Threatening' Cold And Snow Across The USA

Forecasters Predict 'Possibly Life Threatening' Cold And Snow Across The USA

With wind chill, it could get as cold as -60C

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

The USA has been placed on alert after the weather forecast shows that potentially deadly sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall are expected to hit the Midwest and Northeast parts of the country.

This is a result of a 'polar vortex' that could be on the way to the area, bringing with it blizzard conditions that will be followed closely by dangerously low temperatures.

This is all expected to kick off on Tuesday and it seems like forecasters are genuinely worried about it. In fact, the National Weather Service has warned of 'possibly life threatening' conditions.

With wind chill, places like Illinois could be facing a drop in the mercury to as low as -55. Bloody hell, that's cold.

PA

That's not even the worst possible scenario. In Minnesota and Wisconsin, the thermometer could bottom out at -30, but with the added wind that could feel like -60.

So, what is this 'polar vortex' then?

Well, it's an area of extremely cold wind that usually circulates around the North Pole. The problem is, it looks like it is going to head down to the United States for a bit. That could mean that it will cause havoc for those who live within the affected area.

Weather service meteorologist Brian Hurley told the MailOnline: "If you live up in the Arctic Circle, you'd say this is pretty normal. When it's actually brought down to this level, that's when you know it's something serious."

PA

All of this is particularly bad news for those without somewhere warm to sleep, or adequate heating to get them through the icy cold few days. As mentioned earlier, we are talking about life threatening levels of cold.

Accuweather has reported that this spell could be the coldest it has been in America for several years. That means that within minutes, people who are caught out or unprepared might be at risk of hypothermia and frostbite.

Another meteorologist, Tyler Hasenstein, added: "I think the proper term is nasty cold.

"We are very confident this cold is going to be significant... People are right to be concerned."

PA

On top of that, many areas should expect significant snowfall, too. In Minnesota, 14 inches of snow are expected. There are already blizzard conditions in some places across the Midwest.

This is obviously going to cause havoc to travel - rail, road, and air - as well as potential damage to power and rural communities becoming isolated.

The most important thing is that everyone tries to keep warm and stay safe.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: America, Weather, US News, USA, US