America's big freeze: Incredible images of the polar vortex unleashing frigid temperatures in the Midwest
The Midwestern United States is witnessing historically frigid temperatures this week as a polar vortex is sweeping through the nation bringing temperatures even colder than Antarctica and Alaska in some regions. Chicago is reportedly the most hard-hit of the states as temperatures dropped to below -20 degrees on Wednesday, with wind chill bringing temperatures down to a record -40s.
The deep freeze in the Midwest has taken at least 21 lives so far and has reportedly shut down mail service in multiple states. According to FlightAware, over 1,000 flights have been delayed and more than 2,000 were canceled in and out of the US on Thursday. At least 7,000 people also lost power in the chilling weather because of frozen gas pipes, according to the Chicago Tribune.