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Polar vortex threatens extreme cold in the Northeast

By Daniel Uria
Wind chill warnings have been issued across the Northeast United States as a polar vortex threatens record low temperatures and snow squalls from the Great Lakes to New England.
 Photo by National Weather Service/Twitter
Wind chill warnings have been issued across the Northeast United States as a polar vortex threatens record low temperatures and snow squalls from the Great Lakes to New England. Photo by National Weather Service/Twitter

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- A blast of Arctic air is set to make its way across the northeastern United States into Sunday, bringing a severe wind chill that may lead to below-freezing temperatures.

The National Weather Service said the weather pattern will be "the coldest air mass of the season". The polar vortex is set to induce a wind chill below -30 degrees by Saturday night in areas between the Great Lakes and New England.

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Wind chill advisories have also been issued in New York City and along the Appalachian mountains where single-digit highs and subzero lows are expected throughout the weekend.

Record low temperatures are expected throughout the Northeast with New York City potentially facing its coldest Valentine's day since 1916.

A "code blue" warning has been issued in Philadelphia to ensure that people in need of shelter are brought inside and warming centers were opened along the Interstate-95 corridor.

Snow squalls will reportedly affect states in the Midwest and Pennsylvania as poor visibility and winds in excess of 35 mph are expected near Pittsburgh.

AccuWeather reports a possible snowstorm to reach the Appalachians and New England on Monday that could disrupt travel and other daily activities in the region.

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"While the amount of snow and ice is not certain at this time, there is the potential for enough snow to shovel and plow in the Appalachians and interior Northeast," Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said. "Closer to the coast, a small amount of snow and ice could lead to very slow travel on the roads and numerous flight delays."

The effects of the storm could reach as far as Tennessee and Georgia potentially causing icy conditions and power outages due to a buildup of snow on power lines.

Temperatures are expected to go back to average numbers as early as Tuesday and remain there throughout February.

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