Polar Vortex Brings Life-Threatening Cold, 10 Dead from Floods

A polar vortex is set to bring life-threatening cold conditions to the Rockies and northern Plains following severe winter storms that resulted in at least 10 fatalities in the eastern U.S., including nine in Kentucky due to flooding. The National Weather Service has warned of temperatures plunging as low as -45 degrees Fahrenheit in certain regions, with wind chills reaching -60 degrees Fahrenheit. Kentucky's Governor Andy Beshear reported that many of the deaths stemmed from vehicles becoming stranded in high water, prompting emergency rescues for over 1,000 people. President Trump has approved a disaster declaration for Kentucky to facilitate federal relief efforts. As the polar vortex descends, meteorologists are predicting widespread and record-breaking cold, with severe conditions likely extending southward into Texas and Arkansas. The extreme weather has also led to avalanche warnings across parts of the Rocky Mountains.