Polar Vortex: Physical and Financial Risk
Image Source: Pixabay
Prepare yourself for a series arctic blasts and extreme winter weather caused by a Polar Vortex. The onslaught will begin this weekend, resulting in financial and physical risks. The first wave of winter storms may already be happening as you read this. It is expected to bring a mix of snow and freezing rain across parts of the Midwest and New England.
In addition, a more severe storm is expected sometime between January 6 and January 14 .
Adding to the storm’s impact is a lake wind effect that is expected to develop on Saturday. In other words, the areas that are downwind from Elkhart in IN will be affected by this storm. Through New England, we are expected to see 6 to 12 inches of snow over the weekend.“Below freezing temperatures are possible as far south as the Gulf Coast and much of the Florida Peninsula,” reports the National Weather Service’s (NWS) Climate Prediction Center. The National Weather Service’s (NWS) Climate Prediction Center warns that “impacts on highly sensitive citrus crops may be possible.” Threat level coldThis coming weekend, a series frigid waves will start. They will continue through the rest of the month. The next wave will be even colder. Conditions may be hazardous, according to advisories. Winter weather alerts have been issued today for the northern Rockies and northern Plains. In those areas, moderate to heavy snow and gusty winds are expected.
A large area from Kansas to Eastern Kentucky is under a storm warning as of this writing. Over the weekend, a heavy mixture of snow sleet freezing rain will cover the area.
High temperature are expected to fall below freezing in the Midwest. Even Florida may experience freezing temperatures.
Before this round of the polar vortex ends, 30 or more states will have been affected. How a Polar Vortex works
A low-pressure zone exists 10-30 miles above the North Pole and South Pole. The vortex is held in place by strong winds. When the winds slow down, some parts of the vortex may break off and travel south, bringing with them extreme cold. The polar vortex of 2013-14 slowed temperatures down to records in many places. This resulted in a
$4 billion loss for the U.S. Economy .How to Prepare
Although extreme weather caused by a polar vortex can be economically devastating and even life-threatening, there are measures you can take to ensure your safety. That led to a
$4 billion loss for the U. S. Economy
.
How to Prepare
Although the extreme weather resulting from a polar vortex can be economically devastating and even life-threatening, there are measures you can take to be prepared and safe.
The NWS has produced a
Winter Preparedness Checklist checklist. Some of their recommendations include:Stocking up on:
Canned Food
Bottled water
BreadCrackers, Nuts, Fruit Bars, and other high-energy food.Foods that do not require electrical appliances to prepare.
- A first-aid kit
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- A portable radio with extra batteries
- Disposable dishes and utensils
- Financial Impact
- Visions of snow-covered streets and highways may pop into your head when you think of major winter storms. Moreover, such scenes make for pretty greeting cards, However, the financial impact is anything but pretty.
- Winter storms, such as the ones predicted for this month, often lead to flight cancellations, public transportation disruption, and delays in deliveries of goods impacting supply chains. During such storms, many schools and local businesses will also close. All of that in turn, can result in decreased productivity and loss of profits and incomes.
- In addition to lost revenue, certain costs increase as a result of a polar blast.
- Extreme cold results in increased energy consumption as people turn up their thermostats. Electric and natural gas costs rise as a result. Power grids may be overwhelmed if temperatures drop enough. Blackouts can result. Repairing the power system will add to the costs of a polar cyclone. The United States has experienced 400 weather and climate catastrophes since 1980. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, (NOAA), Each of these calamities cost over $1 billion, and the combined total is more than $2.785 trillion. The total cost in human life was 16,768.
- The most severe weather and climate events that caused damages exceeding $1 billion occurred in 2023. In 2023, 28 disasters caused damages of more than $1 billion. The combined damages totaled 95.1 billion dollars, the 10th highest amount of damage in a single year. Check The Forecast
An unstable weather system may change at any moment. You should therefore check regularly to see if snow and ice projections have changed or if this storm’s path has changed.
Read More:
Caffeine May Impact Gut Health Unexpected Discovery Finds
Fighting Rising Prescription Drug Prices
