Meteorologists blame a stretched polar vortex, moisture, lack of sea ice for dangerous winter blast

Meteorologists warn that a stretched polar vortex could bring severe winter weather to much of the United States.

Arctic blast to wallop N. America—is climate change to blame?

An unusually brutal winter storm is set to pummel more than 160 million Americans from Friday, as a stretched "polar vortex" sends a devastating blast of Arctic air, bringing heavy snows and freezing rains.
mlive

Polar Vortex blast to bring -35 wind chills, frostbite in 10 minutes to Michigan

Here’s the wind chill chart. Notice the four shadings, indicating how long it will take for frostbite. When we get to wind chills of -35 degrees or colder, frostbite can occur in just 10 minutes. Even in the “not as cold” areas of lower Michigan we could get frostbite within 30 minutes.
Live Science

Arctic blast probably won't cause trees to explode in the cold — but here's what happens if and when they do go boom

An exploding tree claim has gone viral as the U.S. brace for an Arctic blast that will send temperatures plunging, triggering a massive and long-lasting winter storm.
South Florida Reporter

Arctic Blast and Polar Vortex to Return: Winter Grip Tightens on Midwest, Northeast, and Florida (Video)

The brief respite of a January thaw is over as a significant pattern shift readies a return to harsh winter conditions across the Midwest and Northeast. Meteorologists are tracking a southward dip in the jet stream that will funnel rounds of Arctic air and multiple waves of snow into the Great Lakes and New England starting mid-week.

Arctic blast brings warnings, closures and cancellations to Chicago area

With frigid temperatures sweeping into the region, Chicagoans are being asked to take precautions and make alternate plans as the brutal cold closes area schools and sinks plans for a weekend polar plunge.