NORFOLK, Va. — A plunging polar vortex is bringing bitter cold and the threat of snow to parts of the Southern United States, particularly affecting Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Following a significant Arctic blast that struck much of the U.S. over the weekend, the National Weather Service has forecast wintry precipitation across the southern Plains beginning Wednesday night.

Low temperatures have already plunged to subfreezing levels, with El Paso, Texas, experiencing lows of 31 degrees, and wind chill factors expected to dip between 0 to 15 degrees. As the storm approaches, the NWS warns that road conditions may become hazardous due to expected snow, sleet, and freezing rain as well as black ice forming from melting and refreezing ground coverage. An estimated 1 to 3 inches of snow is anticipated for the Dallas area, with locations near the Oklahoma border potentially receiving up to 5 inches.

In response to the Arctic conditions, local authorities are gearing up for emergencies. "Our city is in a preparedness phase," stated Kevin Oden, Dallas’ director of emergency management. Measures include fleet readiness for road treatments around major events, such as the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium, where approximately 75,000 fans are expected to attend.

This polar vortex event aligns with meteorological experts' observations that such outbreaks of severe cold air are increasing, paradoxically due to a warming planet. As parts of the country respond to ongoing cold, regions like northern Florida remain wary of potential impacts on their agriculture, such as the fern crop crucial for upcoming Valentine's Day floral arrangements.

The implications of the winter storm on transportation have been significant, with an enormous number of flight cancellations and delays reported. As of Tuesday morning, over 5,000 flights faced delays, and more than 2,300 flights were canceled the day prior, as significant snowfall burdens flight operations. Major airports, like Ronald Reagan Washington National, have struggled with backlogs due to adverse conditions.

As surface temperatures dropped rapidly, parts of Virginia and neighboring states faced widespread power outages, impacting around 200,000 customers while several communities set up warming shelters in response to the frigid conditions. However, residents of the affected areas, particularly in Richmond, have also contended with water system malfunctions related to the weather and subsequent boil advisories.

The bitter cold and winter storm threats come amid reports of hundreds of traffic incidents across various states, including Virginia and Kentucky, where dangerous conditions have led to car accidents and even fatalities. Three fatalities have been reported in Virginia alone from vehicle crashes related to the inclement weather.

As communities prepare for the fallout from this Arctic chill, the overarching message is clear: Stay safe and heed weather advisories, as the <polar vortex> continues to influence weather patterns across the eastern United States.

For more detailed weather updates and advisories, travel enthusiasts and residents can stay informed via the Associated Press and Los Angeles Times.