Severe winter weather continued to wreak havoc across the United States on Monday, as a polar vortex swept into the Rockies and northern Plains, bringing dangerously cold temperatures. Meanwhile, deadly flooding and storms devastated parts of the eastern U.S., with at least 10 reported deaths, including nine in Kentucky.
Extreme Cold Grips the Midwest and West
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings of life-threatening cold in parts of the Rockies, Dakotas, and Midwest, with temperatures in northeastern Montana expected to plummet as low as -45°F (-42.7°C) and wind chills reaching a brutal -60°F (-51°C). Meteorologists say this is the 10th polar vortex event of the season, as Arctic air that typically remains near the North Pole has been pushed into the United States and Europe.
North Dakota remains under an extreme cold warning, while South Dakota and Minnesota are also bracing for dangerous temperatures. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia.
Deadly Flooding in the South and Appalachia
In Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed that at least nine people have died due to severe flooding triggered by heavy rainfall. Over 1,000 people had to be rescued from rising waters. Among the victims were a mother and child swept away in Bonnieville and a 73-year-old man found in Clay County floodwaters.
Floodwaters submerged cars and buildings, and mudslides blocked roads in Virginia. Emergency crews struggled to respond, as fire departments in West Virginia dealt with flooding in their own buildings. A state of emergency was declared in 13 counties of southern West Virginia.
In Tennessee, a levee failure in Obion County flooded the town of Rives, home to about 300 people. Meanwhile, in Atlanta, Georgia, a falling tree killed a person inside their home early Sunday.
Snow and Ice Cause Chaos Across the U.S.
The winter storm system also brought treacherous road conditions in the Midwest and Rockies. In Michigan, police responded to 114 crashes in the Detroit area over the weekend due to snow and ice.
Authorities in Colorado reported eight fatalities in vehicle crashes since Valentine’s Day, though it was unclear if all were weather-related. Three state patrol cruisers were also struck by vehicles while parked on the roadside. Fortunately, no troopers were injured.
An avalanche warning has been issued across large portions of the Rocky Mountains, from Colorado to Washington state, with Utah facing the highest risk.
Water Main Break Submerges Detroit Neighborhood
As extreme weather battered much of the country, parts of southwest Detroit faced severe flooding after a nearly 100-year-old water main burst early Monday. The 54-inch (137 cm) transmission main, built in 1930, sent several feet of water rushing into streets, sidewalks, and yards.
Firefighters had to rescue residents, including one person stranded on the roof of their car in waist-deep water. Mayor Mike Duggan urged residents to shelter in place if safe but encouraged those needing assistance to call 911 for evacuation to a temporary shelter.
More Severe Weather Ahead
Forecasters warn that the polar vortex will continue to impact the northern and central U.S. into Tuesday, with dangerous wind chills persisting. Meanwhile, flood warnings remain in effect for Tennessee, Kentucky, and Arkansas as rivers continue to rise.
Officials urge residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions as the winter storm season shows no sign of letting up.