AccuWeather's Chief Meteorologist Bernie Rayno explains what a Polar Vortex is and it's possible impacts next week. | AccuWeather

🚨 POLAR VORTEX BREAKDOWN IN PROGRESS 🚨 A powerful sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event is unfolding over the Arctic — and it’s starting to shake the polar vortex apart. When this happens, extreme cold doesn’t stay locked at the pole. It spills south. 🧊 WHAT THIS COULD MEAN (AROUND FEB 10): ❄️ Bitter Arctic air plunging into the U.S. 🌨️ Increased snowstorm potential 🧊 Ice accumulation & dangerous travel ⚡ Strain on power and infrastructure 📉 Prolonged, below-normal temperatures 📍 Areas