Across the United States, communities are struggling with freezing temperatures as a polar vortex continues to slam the country, creating dangerous conditions.
Despite being known for its warm weather and sunshine, states like Florida and Texas are being hit with below-average temperatures. In fact, from the South Texas coast north and east to northern Florida, winter storm warnings have been put in place, the National Weather Service shared.
Across the panhandle of Florida, several communities have opened warming shelters for those who are homeless so they can remain safe during the temperature dip, local media has reported.
The NWS has issued several warnings about the health risks that cold weather can bring, including hypothermia and frostbite. The NWS says that the issue is more than just cold air temperatures, as conditions can become even more dangerous when factoring in the wind chill.
“Many of you have been hearing plenty about wind chill the past few days. Extremely cold air affects millions of people across the United States every winter and even into parts of the spring,” the NWS shared. “This Arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values, which can cause your body to lose heat quickly.”
Other parts of the country experiencing temperatures as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chills include the Midwest, northern Plains, and the East. In total, more than 200 million people were under some type of cold weather warning on Monday morning.
On top of the cold weather, several parts of the country that don’t typically receive snowfall are having to grab their shovels today, including cities like Houston, New Orleans, and Jacksonville.
Houston was expected to get anywhere from 3 to 6 inches, while some parts of Louisiana were expecting to get as much as 10 inches. Both cities are expected to break previous snowfall records.
Other states expecting snow include coastal Alabama, Mississippi, and southern Georgia.
With falling temperatures, Americans who aren’t usually susceptible to cold weather-related injuries may find themself at risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
Frostbite, an injury that results from freezing of the skin and underlying tissues, can occur within minutes and potentially cause irreversible damage, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The NWS says that to protect yourself from cold weather, you should stay dry, as wet clothing leads to a rapid loss of heat. Wearing waterproof clothing or footwear could save you from dangerously cold temperatures.
On top of that, the NWS says to dress in layers to protect yourself. Throwing on an extra shirt, socks, or pair of pants can help your body retain its heat. Limiting the amount of exposed skin you have is also crucial, as around half of the body’s heat is lost if the head is exposed.
If you think you have suffered frostbite, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.