US extreme weather: 15 dead as polar vortex brings deadly cold and flooding

At least 15 people have been reported dead so far due to a severe polar vortex that has gripped most of the United States, leading to dangerously low temperatures, heavy snowfall and severe flooding.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued extreme cold advisories for 11 states — from Texas to the Canadian border. In North Dakota, temperatures fell to minus 60°F (-51°C), with further declines expected.

Over the next three days, record-low temperatures and significant snowfall are forecast from the Rocky Mountains to the Mid-Atlantic as the Arctic front moves south, according to a CBS report.

Flooding and deaths in Kentucky

With at least 12 deaths caused by flooding and severe weather, Kentucky has been one of the hardest-hit states, the CBS report added. Governor Andy Beshear said that more than 1,000 people had to be evacuated, and snowstorms were worsening the flood crisis.

Among the victims were a mother and her seven-year-old child, who were swept away by floods in Bonnieville. Another victim, a 73-year-old man, was found dead in floodwaters in Clay County.

In West Virginia, one person has died, while others remain unaccounted for. As entire villages were cut off by flooding, Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency in 13 counties.

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Extreme weather across the US

The CBS report stated that in Rives, Tennessee, people had to be evacuated due to flash floods caused by six inches of rain following a levee breach.

Storms in Alabama reportedly produced tornadoes, including an EF1 tornado that destroyed multiple homes in Hale County. No injuries were reported.

Strong winds in Virginia destroyed trees and brought down power lines, delaying emergency response efforts in Albemarle County, the report added. Major power outages were reported from Georgia to New York.

In Michigan, heavy snow and ice severely disrupted travel, with more than 100 crashes reported in Detroit alone. Since February 14, at least eight people have died in weather-related traffic accidents in Colorado.

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Three state police cruisers were directly hit by out-of-control vehicles. Avalanche warnings are currently in effect in Colorado, Utah, Idaho and Wyoming.

The NWS has advised residents in affected areas to remain indoors as severe weather is expected to persist throughout the week.

FAQs

1. Why is the United States experiencing extreme cold conditions?
An outflow of excessive Arctic air southwards led to record-low temperatures due to the polar vortex.


2. What has been the death toll so far?
Around 15 people have died, with 12 in Kentucky, mostly due to road accidents and incidents involving floodwaters.