polar vortex collapse forecast: What is polar vortex and how much snow is expected in US? Winter storm-led flight cancellations and power outages explained. Here’ how polar vortex affects weather
What is a polar vortex and how much snow is expected in the US? Announced
What is a polar vortex and how much snow is expected in the US? The polar vortex is a large pool of cold air swirling above the North Pole in the upper atmosphere. It occurs because the Arctic remains colder than regions further south. Strong winds keep this cold weather under control.
The polar vortex exists every year. It is not a storm and does not occur suddenly in winter. It generally remains strong during the colder months and is centered near the North Pole.
How does the polar vortex affect US winter weather?
What is a polar vortex and how much snow is expected in the US? When the polar vortex weakens or changes direction, cold Arctic air can move south toward the United States. This allows for sharp temperature drops and increases the likelihood of snow and ice.
Meteorologists often talk about polar vortexes, especially during major winter events in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. It marks major atmospheric changes rather than normal cold days.
What doesn’t the polar vortex control?
The National Weather Service says the polar vortex doesn’t cause every cold day. This is not a single cold wave. Daily weather still depends on cold fronts, storm systems and local patterns.
Forecasters only track the polar vortex when major changes affect the jet stream and storm movement.
Why are forecasters watching this storm closely?
What is a polar vortex and how much snow is expected in the US? Current changes in the polar vortex affect the jet stream. The jet stream becomes more erratic. This allows cold air to spread across eastern parts of the United States, fueling snow and ice storms.
Winter storm impact in the USA
The storm affected at least 177 million people. More than 200 million people are under a cold weather warning. Heavy snowfall began in Northwest Texas and Oklahoma City. At least 15 states have declared emergencies.
The National Weather Service is expecting heavy snow from Oklahoma to the Northeast. More than 1 meter of snow may be seen in some areas until Monday. Ice and sleet are expected in the southern and eastern regions, and power outages are possible.
Snow and ice can extend more than 2,000 miles, from Texas to New England.
Flights canceled, travel disrupted
What is a polar vortex and how much snow is expected in the US? Airlines canceled more than 1,800 weekend flights, according to FlightAware. Delta Air Lines asked passengers to reschedule their trips. The FAA expects airport closures from Texas to the Northeast.
How much snow is expected in New York and nearby areas?
Snow is expected in New York from late Saturday through Monday. New York, New Jersey and parts of Connecticut are under a winter storm watch.
AccuWeather is predicting 4 to 8 inches of snow on Sunday. Stronger coastal development could bring a foot of snow to the Hudson Valley and northwestern New Jersey. Cold weather will limit snowmelt after the storm.
NY preparations continue
The New York City Department of Health has issued a Snow Warning. Crews spread brine and prepare trucks to plow. Snow shoveling will begin when it accumulates two centimeters. Progress can be followed at nyc.gov/PlowNYC.
FAQ
What is a polar vortex and how much snow is expected in the US?
The polar vortex is Arctic cold air trapped in the air. Current disruptions could bring widespread snow, ice and cold; Up to 30 cm of snow may occur in some areas.
Why are flights canceled during polar vortex events?
Polar vortex-induced storms cause snow, ice and wind. These conditions cause airports to close, aircraft movement to be delayed, and airlines to cancel flights for safety reasons.
