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.

People take pictures as steam rises from the Lake Michigan in Chicago on Thursday. Photo by Blake Clark/UPI

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The Marine One helicopter kicks up snow on the South Lawn on Friday as it lands to pickup the first family at the White House for a weekend trip to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI

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A snow plow moves along Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House on Friday. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI

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A snow plow moves along Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House on Friday. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI

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