Winter storm: Polar vortex freezes much of US; over 9,000 flights disrupted

The polar vortex has plunged much of the US into freezing conditions, causing widespread chaos. Heavy snow, ice, and wind led to road closures, power outages, and flight cancellations. At least five lives were lost, over 600 motorists were stranded, and schools across several states have been shut down. Temperatures dropped up to 25°F below normal, breaking weather records.