Cold Records Begin Falling Across U.S.
A severe Arctic blast is gripping the United States, bringing "life-threatening cold" to the Rockies and Northern Plains.
Wind chills have plummeted to -60F (-51C) in parts of North Dakota and -50F (-46C) in Montana. According to reports, this event marks the 10th (and the coldest) Arctic Outbreak if what is proving a historically cold season.
Extreme cold warnings are currently in effect across 11 states, from the Canadian border down to central Texas. Residents, particularly those up north, are advised to cover all exposed skin, limit time outdoors, and check on vulnerable individuals.
Heating fuel shortages have been noted in North Dakota, with the state's Governor Kelly Armstrong waiving hours-of-service requirements for drivers transporting propane and petroleum products for the next 30 days. The freeze is also impacting oil production up here, with an estimated reduction of 50,000 to 80,000 barrels per day.
Almost 90% of the contiguous U.S. expected to experience below-freezing temperatures during this latest event.
The cold is really starting to make itself felt now, and the records are beginning to fall:
