Published: 5:58pm, 17 Feb 2025Updated: 6:04pm, 17 Feb 2025
Harsh weather moved west on Monday as a polar vortex was expected to grip the Rockies and the northern Plains after winter storms pummelled the eastern US over the weekend, killing at least 10 people, including nine victims in Kentucky who died during flooding from heavy rains.
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The National Weather Service warned of “life-threatening cold” into Tuesday, with temperatures in northeastern Montana predicted to dip as low as minus 42.7 degrees Celsius (minus 45 degrees Fahrenheit) with wind chills down to minus 51 degrees Celsius.
Meteorologists said several states would experience the 10th coldest polar vortex event this season. Weather forces in the Arctic are combining to push the chilly air that usually stays near the North Pole into the US and Europe.
In Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear said on Sunday that the death toll rose to nine.
“I am sad to share some more tough news tonight, Kentucky. We just confirmed another weather-related death out of Pike County, bringing our total loss to 9 people.”
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Beshear had said earlier on Sunday that at least 1,000 people stranded by floods had to be rescued. President Donald Trump approved Kentucky’s request for a disaster declaration, authorising the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate relief efforts throughout the state.