Arctic blast hits U.S., polar vortex triggers snowstorms and extreme cold nationwide. Snow and cold to persist for weeks

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The new year has arrived with a brutal winter blast, as massive snowstorms and relentless cold grip much of the United States. A hyperactive polar vortex is driving Arctic air deep into the southern states, leaving millions bracing for an extended freeze.

Overnight temperatures have plummeted below zero, even in parts of Texas and Alabama. Widespread snowfall and ice accumulation have prompted urgent warnings from the National Weather Service, with travel hazards and power outages looming. The frigid grip shows no signs of easing soon.

Cities like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Baltimore are under siege, preparing for several inches of snow and ice. Meanwhile, the Midwest and Appalachians face even harsher conditions as “Winter Storm Blair” barrels across the central U.S., threatening to paralyze regions in its wake.

This cold snap isn’t fleeting. Forecasters predict below-average temperatures across the eastern U.S. well into January, an unusually prolonged stretch of severe winter weather. Residents and authorities alike are scrambling to adapt after a series of relatively mild winters left many unprepared.

At the heart of this Arctic assault lies a potent polar vortex. This swirling mass of frigid air, usually confined to the poles, has broken loose with a vengeance, delivering icy punishment across the nation. Its fury underscores the unpredictable extremes of winter’s wrath.