Winter 2019: Images from the polar vortex (19 images)

A polar vortex has put much of the Midwestern United States into a deep freeze this week, with temperatures rivaling the Arctic. Schools, businesses, roads and travel were brought to a standstill in many parts of the country, with residents warned to stay inside.

The fountain and pond at Tower Grove Park have begun to ice over at extreme cold temperatures have arrived in St. Louis, Mo., on Wednesday. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

License photo | Permalink

---

---

Homeless people huddle over steam grates near the Enterprise Center during extreme cold in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

License photo | Permalink

---

---

Ice flows by the Gateway Arch on the Mississippi River as extreme cold temperatures hit the Midwest, including St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

License photo | Permalink

---

---

A filler pipe for a lake in Forest Park has become covered in ice due to extreme cold temperatures in St. Louis, Mo. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

License photo | Permalink

---

---